AI, data center regulations big topics at OKC National Governors Association meeting
Governors at the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City discussed artificial intelligence and data center regulations, focusing on local economies and free market principles. Topics included state policies on electricity and water usage for data centers, with Oklahoma City currently having an enacted moratorium on large data centers.
The National Governors Association (NGA) meeting in Oklahoma City brought together over a dozen governors to discuss artificial intelligence and data center regulations. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, the NGA chairman, highlighted the state's Ratepayer Protection Plan, which ensures residential consumers do not bear additional electricity costs from data center development, and emphasized strict permitting guidelines for water systems.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore outlined his state's requirements for large tech companies, mandating that they supply their own energy and fund infrastructure upgrades, rather than relying on taxpayer money. Moore also stressed the importance of local hiring and economic benefits, confirming that local jurisdictions maintain final approval authority over data center projects.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called for national laws and standards for AI, asserting that a unified approach is better than 50 different state regulations. The discussions come as Oklahoma City has an active temporary moratorium on large data center construction, slated to end on December 31st of this year.