PolitiFact FL: Fact-checking Florida governor candidate James Fishback on AI data center water, energy use

Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback has criticized artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, claiming they "drive up electric bills by 30 or 40%" and "suck up 500,000 gallons of water a day." The article examines these claims and finds them to be partially accurate. While data centers are increasing electricity bills in some states with high concentrations of these facilities, the 30-40% figure Fishback cited is not supported by current public data. Projections suggest electric bill increases of 8% nationwide by 2030, and up to 25% in places like Virginia. The article confirms that data centers can consume as much as 500,000 gallons of water per day, and some large AI facilities may use up to 5 million or even 8 million gallons daily. This is straining local water resources in some communities. The Florida Senate has unanimously passed a bill with requirements to moderate the electricity rates and water management impacts of data centers. Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers from both parties are also pushing to regulate these facilities.