[maerF0x0]

the US is a republic of states. By design it wastes time and money to allow disagreement, variety, and self-determination of states.

> they'll just build it somewhere else

Why should we have rights to say they cannot do it somewhere else? It's not a moral issue, it's a tragedy of commons issue or unpriced externality issue.

[zardo]

My point is the town has three options:

1) allow the build

2) develop a set of regulations to ensure the datacenter is a "good neighbor"

3) block the build

2 & 3 have the exact same effect

[maerF0x0]

> 2 & 3 have the exact same effect

On the datacenter builder, maybe.

But on enacting freedom as a public value and good, no they're not the same.

And on ensuring the next "Datacenter"-like thing is fairly and equally treated? no they're not the same.

2 is superior because it sets the standards and rules for the game, and allows anyone willing to comply to play.

3. Means we have to make the decision over and over, and scratching the back of the decider might mean a favorable outcome for the next builder etc.