Fairbanks Borough Assembly candidates weigh in on data centers
Candidates for the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly are debating the development of data centers following a Department of Defense announcement about potential AI data centers near Eielson Air Force Base. The Assembly recently voted to adopt legislative priorities for 2027, which includes proposing a moratorium on commercial data centers on municipal or state-owned lands. Concerns primarily revolve around strain on the local power grid and the environmental impact of such facilities.
Candidates running for seats on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly are actively weighing in on the construction of data centers in the borough, a topic that gained prominence after the U.S. Department of Defense announced potential AI server data centers near Eielson Air Force Base.
On August 27, the Assembly voted 6-1 to adopt legislative priorities for 2027, which includes a proposed moratorium on commercial data centers on municipal or state-owned lands in Alaska. This moratorium is intended to allow time for the creation of standards to address community concerns. Candidates like Alexis Howell and Scott Crass supported the moratorium, citing concerns about the struggling local power grid, skyrocketing energy costs, and the need for more analysis before large-scale projects proceed. Crass noted that a data center could consume more energy than the entire town.
Other candidates, such as Miguel Ramirez and Joshua Leaders, called for environmental impact studies and a serious look at the impact on infrastructure, power grids, and water resources. Leaders expressed support for a temporary moratorium while data is collected, emphasizing that the benefits must outweigh the costs for the community. Candidate Nick LaJiness expressed outright opposition, stating he doesn't believe data centers are good for any community. Shelly Shupe, running for the same seat, noted the divided public opinion, ranging from environmental concerns to support for development, and indicated a need for more information. Early voting for the October 6 election is already underway.