Investor Gavin Baker softens earlier data-center criticism, cites resolved concerns

Gavin Baker, a prominent technology investor, publicly retracted the aggressive tone of a prior statement in which he declared opponents of data centers unqualified for public office and lauded the facilities as a boon for rural America. In his new post he expressed regret for that language and admitted that about 18 months ago there were reasonable objections regarding water consumption, tax structures, employment effects, power costs and environmental impact.

Baker points to recent improvements—closed-loop water systems, substantial property-tax contributions in places like Loudoun County, VA and Quincy, WA, increased demand for skilled trades, rate-payer protection agreements, and a shift toward natural-gas, solar and battery power—to illustrate how many of those concerns have been addressed. He highlights the dramatic drop in poverty in Quincy and the funding of local services from data-center taxes, framing the industry as a form of reindustrialization. Concluding, he urges former critics to reassess their views in light of the changed facts and even suggests future facilities be designed with architectural beauty in mind.