Governors address AI, data center policies during National Governors Association meeting
Governors from Oklahoma and Maryland discussed state policies regarding artificial intelligence and data centers during a National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City. Topics included landowner protection, strict permitting, water usage, and energy supply requirements for data center companies.
Governors gathered in Oklahoma City for the National Governors Association meeting, where Artificial Intelligence and data center policies were key topics. Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, serving as chairman, and Governor Wes Moore of Maryland addressed state-level approaches to the growing tech industry.
Governor Stitt detailed Oklahoma's efforts, including a Ratepayer Protection Plan aimed at shielding residential consumers from additional electrical fees. He also highlighted state requirements for data centers, such as using closed water systems and adhering to strict permitting guidelines. Stitt emphasized his belief in the free market, stating that if a tech company complies with all regulations and owns the land, they would be permitted to build in Oklahoma.
Governor Moore outlined Maryland's policies, noting that data center companies in his state are mandated to provide their own energy supply and cover the costs of their infrastructure upgrades, without relying on taxpayer assistance for these expenses.