Governor Braun Discusses Data Centers, China at Event in Elkhart
Indiana Governor Mike Braun discussed the growth of data centers at an event in Elkhart, highlighting concerns about their electricity demand potentially reaching 5% of the state's total generation. Braun also expressed opposition to granting tax abatements to wealthy tech companies like Google and Amazon for data center development. He emphasized Indiana's need to remain competitive economically while addressing resource consumption and the impact on utility costs.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun addressed the increasing presence and impact of data centers during the RV Industry Power Breakfast in Elkhart. Governor Braun stated that data centers' electricity demand could consume up to 5% of Indiana's total generation, noting that a single data center could use a gigawatt of power, a significant portion of the state's 20 gigawatt capacity. He underscored the need for new power generation, likely natural gas, to support this growth.
The Governor also took a firm stance against offering tax abatements to major tech companies such as Google and Amazon, arguing that these corporations are wealthy enough not to require such incentives. He believes these companies should bear the full cost of building infrastructure and contributing to the grid, which could help lower electricity rates for other businesses and households. While recognizing data centers as crucial for economic growth and competitiveness with nations like China, Braun acknowledged the concerns raised by opponents regarding environmental impact, resource consumption, rising utility costs, and noise, contrasting them with supporters who view data centers as essential for powering modern digital life and innovation.