PSC Candidate Calls for Statewide Data Center Moratorium
A Republican candidate for North Dakota's Public Service Commission is proposing a statewide moratorium on data center development. He argues the state lacks a regulatory structure for these facilities, which are large power and water consumers. The candidate seeks a pause until the 2027 legislative session to allow time for regulatory discussions.
Chris Olson, a Republican candidate for North Dakota's Public Service Commission (PSC), is advocating for a statewide moratorium on data center development. Olson, who is challenging incumbent Jill Kringstad, cites the state's lack of a regulatory framework for these facilities as the primary reason for his proposal.
Data centers are frequently criticized for their significant power and water consumption, a claim often disputed by the industry. While the PSC currently does not oversee data centers, an interim legislative committee is examining whether to grant the commission authority to regulate large power users, including data centers.
Olson's proposal suggests implementing a moratorium until after the 2027 legislative session, allowing sufficient time for lawmakers to establish appropriate regulations.