Governors’ races are being increasingly buffeted by the toxic politics of data centers
Governors are imposing bans, moratoriums and new standards as residents press officials over higher power costs, water use and local quality of life.
- In Wisconsin's race for governor, data centers have emerged as a contentious campaign issue for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, as both candidates navigate voter concerns regarding the energy-hungry facilities.
- Public opposition has surged across the state, with 73% of Wisconsinites saying in a July Marquette Law School poll that data center costs outweigh benefits, while residents worry facilities threaten property values, rural character, and water supplies.
- Crowley supports data centers as economic drivers but advocates for local veto authority and a 'bring your own clean energy' requirement for companies seeking to build in the state, which he refers to as his Beyonce plan.
- Tiffany has attacked Crowley's record in recent ads, labeling him 'Data Center David Crowley,' while the Republican candidate recently received a $5,000 contribution from Robert Marchant, the Wisconsin Data Center Coalition's lobbyist.
- Governors nationwide, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have recently paused tax incentives or ordered new regulations, reflecting a broader political realignment as candidates respond to public pressure on hyperscale data center energy demands.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Associated Press News
Governors' races are being increasingly buffeted by the toxic politics of data centers
More governors are shifting their stances or taking more steps to squeeze data centers, as the midterm elections near and public opinion sours on the energy-hungry behemoths.
Data centers emerging as key issue in Illinois governor’s race – Capitol News IL
The emergence of a new class of data centers has garnered bipartisan opposition in communities across the state. What was once seen as an avenue for economic growth has become a political issue in Illinois, and one on which candidates from both sides of the aisle are hoping to distinguish themselves.
Data centers emerging as key issue in Illinois governor's race
The emergence of a new class of data centers has garnered bipartisan opposition in communities across the state. What was once seen as an avenue for economic growth has become a political issue in Illinois, and one on which candidates from both sides of the aisle are hoping to distinguish themselves.
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