Kentucky can’t afford to chase data centers away – Ledger Independent
An opinion piece argues that Kentucky should welcome data center development, saying the projects can support economic growth, jobs and related industry clusters. It discusses concerns about electricity rates, water use and permanent employment while urging lawmakers to refine legislation intended to protect ratepayers without discouraging investment.
Andrew McNeill, president and senior policy fellow at the Kentucky Forum for Rights, Economics & Education, argues that Kentucky should pursue data center investment rather than respond to public opposition. He says modern cooling and water-reuse technologies can reduce water demand and contends that data centers can create construction, technical and related supplier jobs.
The commentary focuses on legislation moving through the Kentucky General Assembly that would address data centers’ electricity costs and protect ratepayers. McNeill says Rep. Josh Bray’s proposal needs revisions to provide a more flexible policy framework, and points to Indiana’s approach and major technology investments there as a model for Kentucky.