Voters should care about this bill because data centers, which power our digital lives and the rise of artificial intelligence, are consuming rapidly increasing amounts of energy and water. This consumption can put a strain on local resources and infrastructure, potentially leading to higher utility costs, water shortages, and increased air pollution, especially in communities located near these facilities.

This bill aims to uncover and clarify the specific environmental, economic, and health impacts of data centers on vulnerable communities, which often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards. Without this information, policymakers cannot effectively address potential problems. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to informed policies and best practices that mitigate negative impacts, ensuring more equitable and sustainable development of critical digital infrastructure. If it doesn't pass, these potential impacts might remain unstudied and unaddressed, leaving communities without a clear path to resolve issues related to data center development.