Rep. McCormick: Data Center Alarmism Undermines U.S. Competitiveness

Representative Rich McCormick of Georgia is sounding the alarm against what he describes as "alarmism" surrounding the rapid build-out of data centers across the United States. In a recent interview, McCormick argued that these facilities are crucial for American technological competitiveness and that unfounded fears are hindering progress.

McCormick, who has visited several data centers and spoken with industry leaders including Jensen Huang of Nvidia, highlighted that modern data centers are designed with sustainability in mind. He stated that many now employ closed-loop systems that recirculate water, and utilize clean energy sources like fuel cells, which can even provide surplus energy to communities. "All the worries, all the drummed up alarmism is really bad for the future of America if we don't get this right," McCormick asserted.

Data Centers as a Strategic Imperative

The congressman drew a parallel to international competition, mentioning a visit to Ireland where he learned that significant economic activity, representing "70% of their income," is produced by American companies. He warned that if countries like Ireland fail to build data centers and secure energy sources, these economic benefits could shift elsewhere, impacting American prosperity. "We need these as Americans," McCormick emphasized, linking data centers to advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, radiology, and energy.

The full discussion can be found on Bloomberg Podcast's YouTube channel.

McCormick also addressed concerns about community impact, noting instances where local opposition to data center construction seemed disproportionate to the community's size, with protestors reportedly coming from outside the immediate area. He suggested this could be driven by foreign interference, stating, "I think this is a bit nefarious. I think that China or somebody who doesn't want us to compete with them is funding it." He cited polling data showing public opposition but distinguished between local concerns and what he views as orchestrated opposition.

Building on Military Bases

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, McCormick proposed a novel solution for data center development: utilizing existing military bases. He suggested that locations like Fort Gordon, Fort Benning, and Fort Hunter in Georgia, and similar bases across the country, offer ample land and infrastructure. "You're not gonna have any protests. You can see we have plenty of land," he stated, adding that such a move would be a "very positive act" by leasing land and potentially reducing base expenditures. He questioned whether the Pentagon or the President were considering such a strategy.

U.S. Military Readiness and Alliances

The conversation also touched upon U.S. military posture and alliances. McCormick, a former Marine and Navy officer, expressed hope that the U.S. withdrawal from certain military exercises with South Korea would be temporary. He shared his positive experiences participating in exercises with the South Korean Marines, praising their capabilities and shared worldview. "I want to see them go closer to us, not to other countries who who are basically invested in communism," he said, advocating for stronger integration with allies for "peace through strength."

Reflecting on the deployment of U.S. naval assets, McCormick also shared insights from his time serving on naval vessels. He acknowledged the hardships faced by crews, citing personal experiences of extreme heat and sanitation issues on older ships, as well as the mental toll of prolonged deployments. He stated that such challenges, while difficult, are part of the reality of military service and that the crew's dedication often prevails, noting that crew members attempting suicide or making statements were not new phenomena.