Politics can be full of disagreement. But on some things, Idahoans are pretty clear.
We value our public lands. We want them protected and kept open for the people who live here, not handed over for private development. Across the country, voters are increasingly concerned about rapidly expanding data centers and their demands on land, water and electricity.
So what are Republican officials doing? Pushing in the opposite direction.
The Trump administration is considering at least 12 data centers covering more than 17,600 acres of public land across six Western states. That includes a four-million-square-foot data center complex on federal public land south of Boise, potentially spanning more than 3,000 acres near Blacks Creek Reservoir and more than four times the size of the newly opened Meta facility in Kuna.
This is only the beginning. Federal land managers have been told to identify even more public land for data center development.
Where would the water needed for a facility this size come from? What would it mean for groundwater in a state already dealing with drought? What would an on-site natural gas plant mean for air quality? How much new power infrastructure would be needed? What happens to wildlife habitat and public access?
Instead of slowing down and answering those questions, those in power are pushing forward as fast as they can.
Brad Little signed an agreement with the Trump administration earlier this year to fast-track major energy and mining projects. That could leave Idahoans with fewer meaningful opportunities to weigh in on this proposal and similar projects that affect public land access.
Data centers powering artificial intelligence are big business. The companies behind them have money, lawyers and lobbyists at their disposal. It is deeply concerning to see our government reorganizing itself around their priorities while questions and objections from citizens are pushed aside.
Donald Trump has spent his second term opening more of our shared land to drilling, mining and private development. In 2024, he asked oil executives to help raise $1 billion while promising to roll back environmental policies they opposed. Unlike so many of his other campaign promises, this is one Trump is keeping.
Republican politicians may have plenty to gain from keeping backers happy. Idahoans are the ones who would live with the consequences.
People here know the value of public lands. We hunt, fish, hike and camp there. And we protect them so our kids can do the same. They should not be carved up for the benefit of billionaires and powerful corporations.
When special interests with deep pockets come for our land and water, we need leaders who will stand up to them, not sell out our future. Idaho deserves nothing less.
Onward,
Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair