U.S. Energy Secretary talks AI, energy prices

At the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit in Carlisle, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright addressed the rising electricity and energy prices nationwide, linking them to artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and their perceived impact.

Wright emphasized that AI technology is crucial for national defense and security, a view accelerated by the Trump administration. He expressed strong disagreement with moratoriums on data center construction, such as one issued in New York, arguing they impede AI development. The Secretary asserted that high electricity prices are not caused by data centers, but rather by "green energy mandates" and the war in Iran. This statement came despite Governor Shapiro extending the life of two Western Pennsylvania coal plants and the state's exit from a regional greenhouse gas initiative.

In Pennsylvania, the State Senate recently advanced a bill that would grant municipalities the option to impose an 18-month moratorium on data center developments. This legislative action stems from concerns over data centers' substantial energy and water consumption, with one projected campus alone requiring more electricity than the region's largest power plant. Wright dismissed these fears as "absolutely false" and reiterated his stance that green energy policies are the primary driver of expensive energy.

FOX43 News's James Corrigan reported on these discussions, which also touched upon President Trump's efforts to restore oil flow despite a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming for secure, long-term, affordable energy for Americans.