In legislative priorities, Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly doubles up on AI data center moratorium request
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has adopted legislative priorities for 2027, including a request for a moratorium on AI data centers in Alaska at both state and federal levels. This request comes amid concerns from residents and a federal request for proposals for data center development on military bases. The proposed moratorium aims to allow time for local governments and the state to develop standards for electrical demand, water consumption, environmental impacts, and air quality.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has formally requested a moratorium on AI data center development across Alaska, making it a top legislative priority for both state and federal lawmakers in 2027. Assemblymember Garret Armstrong introduced the proposal, citing similar actions by other local and state governments nationwide.
This move follows a federal government request for proposals to lease land at Eielson Air Force Base, Clear Space Force Station, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for data center projects, alongside early-stage plans for data centers on state land in the North Slope and Mat-Su Borough. Residents like Sarah Hollister expressed concerns at the Assembly meeting, advocating for strict regulations to be established before "tech conglomerates" expand in the region. The Assembly's resolution seeks to halt permitting, leasing, and construction until comprehensive standards are developed to address potential impacts on electrical demand, water consumption, environmental factors, and air quality.
Assembly Presiding Officer Scott Crass clarified that while the resolution initially specified "state-owned and municipal lands," it was intended to encompass federal lands as well, and he plans to work with the borough clerk's office to ensure this intent is reflected.