Minnesota Candidate Eric Pratt Discusses Federal Data Center Moratorium
Minnesota congressional candidate Eric Pratt discusses concerns about a one-size-fits-all federal moratorium on data centers. He says decisions should remain with local governments and argues that Minnesota legislation protects ratepayers from higher electricity and water costs while supporting energy assistance.
Eric Pratt, a Republican candidate for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District, says he opposes a blanket federal moratorium on data centers because it could hinder cities that have determined the projects fit their economic development plans. He contrasts the proposal with Minnesota's longstanding moratorium on considering nuclear energy, which he says contributed to the state's current clean-energy challenges.
Pratt says he is neither categorically pro- nor anti-data center, but supports local governments making development decisions. He also points to legislation intended to protect ratepayers from increases in electricity and water costs and to fund energy assistance for low-income residents.