Ford breaks down his stance on data centers
Aaron Ford, Nevada's Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has proposed pausing tax breaks for data centers to review their economic impact. This stance is a pivot from his earlier support for such incentives and aligns him with growing public opposition to the data center industry, contrasting with Governor Joe Lombardo's supportive position.
Aaron Ford, Nevada's Attorney General and a Democratic candidate for governor, announced a plan to pause tax breaks for data centers. Speaking at a press conference held near a data center, Ford stated that existing incentive programs, which have provided approximately $461 million in tax breaks to 14 data centers over the past decade, need review due to concerns about their economic effects. This move aims to contrast his stance with that of Governor Joe Lombardo (R), who supports the data center industry.
Ford acknowledged a shift in his perspective since 2015 when he co-sponsored legislation creating the tax break program as a state senator. He explained that the world has changed significantly, citing the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT, and emphasized that government must be "nimble" and responsive to public concerns. He noted that data centers have been a frequent topic during his statewide tours, indicating widespread public interest and opposition.
When questioned about supporting a statewide moratorium on data centers, similar to one in New York, Ford declined to answer, ending the press conference. His plan, however, signals a more scrutinizing approach to an industry that has become increasingly divisive in Nevada.