Fazio calls for end to tax breaks for large data centers
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio is advocating for an end to tax breaks for large-scale data centers in Connecticut, arguing that these incentives attract energy-intensive AI data centers. He also proposes requirements for data centers to provide their own power, amidst widespread community opposition to AI data centers in the state.
Ryan Fazio, the Republican candidate for governor in Connecticut, has called for an end to state tax breaks currently offered to large-scale data centers. Fazio argues that these financial incentives pave the way for the development of high-energy-consuming AI data centers in the state, despite widespread community opposition.
He is advocating for stricter "guardrails" on the industry, including a requirement for data centers to supply their own power if they wish to connect to the state's electricity grid. Fazio highlighted a data center owned by Cigna in Windsor that has applied for state tax breaks, clarifying it is not an AI data center. AI data centers are described as larger facilities that consume more electricity and water, potentially increasing utility bills and contributing to noise pollution.
Connecticut Governor Lamont has indicated that he finds tax breaks acceptable for smaller data centers, suggesting a potential difference in approach to data center development incentives within the state's political landscape.