STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Governor Andy Beshear said he is signing an executive order Thursday in response to the increased demand for data centers and energy resources in Kentucky.
During a press conference, the Kentucky governor said the order is to “protect against harmful impacts from potential data centers in the commonwealth and empower local communities to be the decision-makers related to these projects.”
The executive order requires data center project developers to submit an energy plan to the Energy and Environment Cabinet demonstrating how the company will protect families and existing businesses by not raising electric bills.
Additionally, the Public Service Commission will be required to prevent utility companies from raising rates to recover costs associated with data centers.
Beshear said he is directing the energy cabinet to deny applications for permits that would lead to data centers that would negatively impact air quality, water use, water quality, water supply, federal jurisdictional wetlands or natural resources. The order will also require that any data center project developer pay their fair share of state, local and school taxes.
The executive action is also set to require developers to “commit to engaging with transparency” in public discussions with local community leaders and residents.
“To be clear, this order doesn’t say yes to any data center – that’s up to the local community. But it does say no to any center not meeting the requirements,” Beshear said. “Local leaders and residents know their communities best. I trust their judgment when it comes to significant projects like these. And you can be sure that I will be actively monitoring any and all data center projects that move forward. Because Kentucky is our home. And we want to make sure it continues to provide for us, our children, our grandchildren and generations of Kentuckians to come.”
Comments