Polis defends data centers as Colorado juggles energy demands

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: msn/Axios

10h


ASPEN, Colo. — Colorado's Democratic governor, Jared Polis, defended data centers, touted oil and gas rules and bemoaned climate change in a recent interview in this mountain town.

Why it matters: Colorado has long been a microcosm of the nation's debates on energy, AI and the effects of a warming planet.

Polis, who is leaving office in January due to term limits, has spent nearly eight years governing through each of those fights

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Inside the room: In an interview with Axios on stage at the Aspen Ideas Festival last weekend, Polis argued the backlash against data centers is aimed more at AI itself than the infrastructure needed to power it.

"Of course, there needs to be data centers," Polis said. "As long as you can show me it's going to reduce our utility rates and be consistent with our water use, then absolutely we want them here."

"There's a general frustration about what the rise of AI means," Polis said. "I think that's what is giving people pause."

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/general/polis-defends-data-centers-as-colorado-juggles-energy-demands/ar-AA27356O