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AI data center boom: Water use, energy costs and lack of transparency

Why rural America is questioning data centers

By Investigate Midwest staff
Why you can trust Investigate Midwest
Longhorn cattle pictured on June 27, 2026, at Grande Horn Ranch near Interstate 40. The tree line in the background marks the
Longhorn cattle pictured on June 27, 2026, at Grande Horn Ranch near Interstate 40. The tree line in the background marks the site of the proposed Beltline Energy data center . photo by Juan Vassallo, Investigate Midwest
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