Alberta leaked report proposes pipeline overhaul for AI data centers

A leaked cabinet report in Alberta has sparked controversy by outlining potential plans to overhaul the province’s natural gas pipeline system to support the construction of artificial intelligence data centers.

The document, which was obtained by The Narwhal and verified by a government official, suggests regulatory changes to ensure all natural gas pipelines fall under provincial jurisdiction. Proposed measures include passing legislation that would allow the government to establish two Crown corporations. One of these entities would oversee the pipeline system and have the authority to compel companies to make investments deemed a priority by the government.

The leak has drawn significant attention from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Naheed Nenshi. While the provincial government has not denied the authenticity of the document, it has suggested the report may simply be one of many regular considerations under review.