Austin American Statesman | By Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian, Guest columnist June 16, 2026
As communities across the country debate the growth of data centers, this opinion piece makes the case that data centers are becoming essential infrastructure for America’s economic future, technology leadership, and national security.
The article argues that data centers are no longer just facilities that store information. They support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, communications, defense systems, cybersecurity, logistics, public services, and the digital tools that businesses, workers, and families now rely on every day.
For LaborForce Media, this is an important conversation because data centers are also a skilled labor issue. These facilities require major construction, reliable power, advanced cooling systems, fiber connectivity, safety systems, and long-term maintenance. That means electricians, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, operating engineers, laborers, ironworkers, fiber technicians, and other skilled trades workers are central to building and sustaining this infrastructure.
The larger question for labor is not whether data centers matter. They do. The question is how they are built, who benefits from the investment, and whether workers and communities are included in the opportunity.
Read the full article at the Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/opinion/columns/your-voice/article/defense-data-centers-opinion-22306000.php
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