These Are The Biggest Differences Between Democrats, Republicans On Data Centers: Reporter
Forbes reporter Kyle Khan-Mullins discussed partisan differences over the rapid expansion of data centers and lawmakers' investments in related companies. Republicans generally emphasize jobs, economic growth and artificial intelligence, while Democrats more often call for transparency, local input, and regulation of water and electricity consumption.
Forbes reporter Kyle Khan-Mullins described a growing partisan divide over data center development. Republicans generally view the build-out as an opportunity for jobs, economic growth and U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, while also showing some interest in regulating effects on electricity prices. Democrats are more likely to seek greater transparency, limits on water and electricity consumption, local input on siting, fewer tax incentives and stronger labor protections.
The discussion also examined potential conflicts of interest involving congressional investments in data center-related companies. San Diego-area Republican Rep. Darrell Issa ranked highly in the analysis because of his holdings in the iShares Semiconductor ETF, whose major holdings include Intel, AMD, Micron, Nvidia and Broadcom. Khan-Mullins said lawmakers denied that their investments influence their votes, while some support a congressional stock-trading ban and others, including a Minnesota representative identified as Rep. Morrison, are divesting.
Khan-Mullins said the reporting relied partly on automated tools to analyze lawmakers' financial disclosures and illustrated how broadly the data center boom is affecting the economy. He cited Caterpillar's share-price gains as an example of a company benefiting indirectly from construction activity, despite not making chips or software.