Florida GOP lawmaker and governor candidate says AI data center legislation keeps utility costs down
The proposal follows a statewide backlash as more than 20 Florida counties and municipalities have rejected major data centers over utility bills and environmental concerns.
- On Monday, Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds announced the Protecting Ratepayers Act, legislation requiring large-scale data centers to independently source their own electricity and water rather than relying on public utility systems.
- More than 20 Florida counties have rejected or banned major data center construction, with residents and local leaders citing concerns over increased utility bills, environmental damage, and community disruption.
- Republican candidate James Fishback and Democrat David Jolly have both made data center opposition central to their gubernatorial campaigns, while Cato Institute fellow Travis Fisher notes firms fear losing their 'social license to operate.'
- Strategist Matt Gorman warned that tech firms must "tell a better story" to address bipartisan concerns or face mandated restrictions from lawmakers of both parties, reflecting mounting political pressure on the industry.
- Seeking to succeed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed similar cost-sharing legislation in May, Donalds pledged to prioritize data center efficiency and relocate facilities away from population centers if elected.
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Florida GOP Rep. Donalds Says AI Data Center Legislation ...
Associated Press News
Florida GOP lawmaker and governor candidate says AI data center legislation keeps utility costs down
Florida Republican congressman and governor's race candidate Byron Donalds has announced legislation intended to prevent artificial intelligence data centers from increasing utility costs.
Byron Donalds Files Bill Requiring AI Data Centers to Supply Their Own Power and Water
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has introduced federal legislation that would require artificial intelligence data centers to obtain their own electricity and water from alternative sources rather than relying on public utility systems, arguing the proposal would protect American households from rising utility costs as AI infrastructure rapidly expands. The legislation, titled the Protecting Ratepayers Act, would require companies building and operating…
Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Wants Data Centers Off The Public Grid - Tampa Free Press
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced legislation intended to require data center operators to source their own power and water independently from public utility systems. The measure, titled the “Protecting Ratepayers Act,” is the 27th bill Donalds has introduced during the 119th Congress. The proposed legislation mandates that entities that build, own, or operate data […] Florida Rep. Byron Donalds Wants Data Centers Off The Public Grid
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