Gov. Andy Beshear Says Kentucky Communities Should Be Able To Reject Data Centers
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said data centers are becoming an issue in the state’s upcoming elections and argued that local communities should be able to reject projects. He said his executive order requires data centers to avoid increasing utility bills, meet environmental standards, pay their fair share of taxes and obtain community approval.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said data centers are emerging as an election issue, although he described the cost of living as a more significant concern. Responding to a question from Kentucky Lantern reporter Liam, Beshear said candidates’ positions and alleged ties to the data center industry could influence voters.
Beshear argued that communities should not be forced to accept unwanted data centers and should have equal negotiating power with developers. He said his executive order is intended to ensure that new facilities do not raise utility bills, worsen environmental conditions, avoid paying taxes or proceed after a community has rejected them.