Fact check: Did Lamont give tax breaks for CT data centers like Fazio claims?
A campaign ad by Republican Ryan Fazio claims Gov. Ned Lamont promoted Connecticut data centers through substantial tax incentives. The ad refers to a 2021 law allowing the state Department of Economic and Community Development to negotiate 20- or 30-year tax incentive agreements with qualifying data centers, amid voter concerns about electricity costs, energy use, water consumption and community impacts.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio is using data center development as a campaign issue in his race against Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. Fazio’s television advertisement accuses Lamont of encouraging data center construction and offering major tax breaks.
The ad references a 2021 law championed by Lamont that authorizes Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development to enter into 20- or 30-year tax incentive agreements with qualifying data centers. A Sacred Heart University/WFSB/CT Insider poll found that 60% of registered voters favor tighter restrictions on data center development, citing electricity costs, energy and water use, and effects on local communities.