To the editor:

Lawrence residents need to be watchful of a data center’s proposal to offer De Soto residents “up to $1,000 annually in the form of property and utility tax credits to every household for 10 years” (see Josie Heimsoth’s Oct. 20 Journal-World article.) Should Lawrence residents see a similar proposal, some questions to ask include what are the megawatt limits on electricity usage? Will a new power plant be needed? If so, what type of power plant? Coal? Methane? Other? Will the data center pay the same rate for electricity as Lawrence households, or will it get a wholesale rate? Will there be assurances on future electricity rates for residents? How many gallons of water will be used? Does Lawrence have enough water? Can water usage limits be applied? What about when water is in short supply? Who will monitor and report to Lawrence residents if the water has been altered chemically or otherwise? Where will the data center water be discharged? Into farm fields? The city’s drinking supply? Is a mega corporation funding or subsidizing the data center company? If so, which one? Microsoft? Google? Musk? Amazon? If a proposal is considered, will the city secure the entire 10 years of “tax credit” dollars for households in advance in case of early bankruptcy? What about the responsible use of artificial intelligence? Will there be any regulations? Just a few questions for the residents of Lawrence to consider should a data center proposal come knocking.

Jerald Liss,

Lawrence