US states debate data center impact on energy costs

In Washington, Donald Kimball of the Washington Policy Center argues that data centers have not driven up residential electricity prices. He cites data showing slower price increases in areas with high data‑center concentration and attributes recent bill hikes to state environmental regulations such as the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) and the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Kimball recommends expanding energy production and rolling back those policies to lower costs.

In Vermont, a bill (H.727) that would have insulated ratepayers from data‑center expenses and required on‑site renewable energy was passed by both legislative chambers but vetoed by Governor Phil Scott. Critics, including Ben Edgerly Walsh of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, contend the veto undermines strong consumer protections and pollution controls that the revised bill introduced.

Both pieces highlight a broader policy debate over how to balance the growth of data‑center infrastructure with energy affordability and environmental goals in U.S. states.