Data centers are coming to Alabama, and they could bring millions in investment, tax revenue, and economic growth.

That’s the good news.

The bigger question is what they could cost the people who already live here.

Will electricity bills go up?

Will water usage become a problem?

Will local utilities have to expand infrastructure?

Those are questions that should be answered before a project is approved, not after construction begins.

The solution isn’t stopping data centers.

The solution is transparency.

Before any new data center receives approval, Alabama should require an independent study showing exactly how the project is expected to affect local power, water, and utility costs.

Then the public can decide whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.