Alaska independent Bill Hill calls on Congress to return, rein in data centers
Independent candidate Bill Hill is calling on Congress to regulate data center development in Alaska, citing concerns over energy costs and local impact. This stance is in opposition to his opponent, Nick Begich, who proposes a bill to facilitate data center construction by allowing them to operate separate energy grids.
Independent candidate Bill Hill has urged Congress to reconvene and address the impacts of large-scale data centers, advocating for national standards and guardrails for the industry. Speaking from Capitol Hill, Hill expressed concerns from Alaskans regarding the potential strain on the state's already high energy costs and the need for local input and support for any data center projects.
His opponent, Republican US Rep. Nick Begich III, has taken a contrasting view, promoting Alaska as an ideal location for data centers due to its vast geography and energy resources. Begich has championed his proposed legislation, the DATA Act of 2026, which aims to make it easier for data centers to operate their own energy grids independently of public utilities, ostensibly to prevent ratepayer burden.
The debate highlights a broader political divide within Alaska, with previous proposals by Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration to sell public land for data centers facing significant public backlash. In 2026, Mat-Su Mayor Edna DeVries vetoed a similar measure, indicating a history of strong local opposition to unregulated data center expansion. Hill also raised concerns about potential job displacement due to AI, emphasizing the need for regulations to protect workers.