politics
Beshear orders data centers to prove they won't hurt Kentucky ratepayers
Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) has become the latest governor to crack down on data centers, signing an executive order on Thursday to curb the impact artificial intelligence infrastructure giants have on local ratepayers.
TL;DR
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order to regulate data centers.
- The order requires data center companies to submit plans detailing how they will cover their energy costs.
- It prohibits utility companies from raising rates for local residents to compensate for data center expenses.
- Data center companies must cooperate with local communities, follow environmental rules, and pay full local taxes.
- This action follows similar crackdowns by governors in Texas and New York.
- Public opinion on data centers is largely negative, with concerns about potential impacts on utility bills.
- Data centers can also create local jobs and boost commercial tax bases.