The “tax the billionaires” resolution went down in California thanks to billionaire money, but the voters have spoken on the “next big thing” for how the billionaires make even more money.
45 of the 46 elections in the US where data centre issues were on the ballot also went down. The NASDAQ also took a beating. Krystal and Saagar from Breaking Points discuss the issues here. The whole clip is worth watching to get “political superstar” Senator Abdul el-Sayid’s take on the issue.
Rob Campbell also writes today how he was a panelist yesterday at a meeting in Auckland
I was a panelist yesterday at a conference of data centre providers/builders/suppliers. There was a small protest outside (they left some street art).
Before the panel there was a presentation on how to mould public opinion from anti to pro such facilities.
In our discussion it emerged that even promoters recognise potential negative aspects are real (though in their view outweighed by the positives). Of course most large scale infrastructure has some elements of the negative aspects.
My own view is that tight regulatory control from the national level is essential, including strong elements of community and iwi input to any project.
It was very clear that the industry is very advanced in closed door negotiations to the drafting level on regulations with government officials!
These projects will be controversial whatever the election outcome. Rightly so.
There are in the US too. Promoters and officials manoeuvring to advance proposals know this of course. Politician s should note that in this week’s voting across the US proposals promoting such projects were rejected in 45 out of 46 cases!
I think the resistance here will be as strong. Caution and restraint is necessary. If you have not voted yet you should look for parties promoting such restraint not those rushing blindly ahead.
The last thing we need is the developers looking for ways to “mould public opinion.” I think Rob’s opinion is spot on.