True local control means neighbors write the rules, not tech lobbyists

The article emphasizes the importance of local communities having a say in decisions about data centers, arguing against the influence of tech lobbyists. Terry Effertz, a former chair of Dakota Resource Council, highlights the need for transparency and genuine local input rather than tech companies dictating the rules. This matters because it underscores the significance of local governance in shaping development that truly benefits communities, not just profit-driven tech interests. The piece advocates for empowering neighbors to write the zoning rules, ensuring that local needs and concerns are prioritized.