Commentary: Boulder climate lawsuit could threaten energy investment needed for AI growth
The commentary argues that rising electricity demand from AI-focused data centers requires expanded energy generation and grid capacity. It criticizes Boulder’s climate lawsuit against Suncor and Exxon Mobil, warning that broader liability for global emissions could discourage investment in natural gas and other energy infrastructure.
The commentary by Jack Rowlett argues that the growth of AI will sharply increase electricity demand, including from data centers, while the United States is already struggling to add generation and grid connections quickly enough. It says data center developers are turning to on-site gas generators and contends that affordable natural gas and expanded grid infrastructure are essential to the AI economy.
Rowlett criticizes lawsuits brought by the city and county of Boulder against Suncor and Exxon Mobil over alleged climate-related harms. He warns that the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision allowing the claims to proceed could encourage other local governments to pursue similar cases, creating uncertainty for energy investment. The commentary calls for Congress to establish national climate policy while removing obstacles to new energy generation and transmission.