Editorial: Lubbock Deserves Clear Numbers Behind Data Center Promises

National data center growth raises a practical question for Lubbock: what would a project require from the community?

A federal study published in 2024 estimated that data centers used 4.4% of United States electricity in 2023. It projected a share between 6.7% and 12% by 2028. Those figures are national estimates, and they do not establish the demand of a particular Lubbock project.

Our position is that residents should have clear, public answers before evaluating any proposal. That includes the power source, who pays for additional infrastructure, the water supply, cooling needs and the number of permanent jobs.

Developers should explain the investment and answer questions. Residents should be able to examine agreements and distinguish construction employment from permanent jobs.

Lubbock can consider new industries while asking for evidence about their costs and benefits. Public decisions deserve numbers people can check.

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Photo Via Jenny Kane, KLBK