Beshear takes executive action on Kentucky data centers to prevent ‘harmful impacts’
FRANKFORT, Ky. —
Kentucky’s governor is taking executive action when it comes to data centers.
Use of artificial intelligence is on the rise, and the data centers it needs have become increasingly polarizing.
In the last year, several have been planned for the Commonwealth, but also, several communities are putting pauses on proposals as they weigh the pros and cons.
Now, Gov. Andy Beshear has issued an executive order to protect against any harmful impacts an AI data center could have.
Here’s what it would do:
- Require developers to submit energy plans demonstrating that their operations will not increase electricity costs for residents or businesses.
- The Public Service Commission must reject utility rate increases intended to recover data-center-related costs.
- The Energy and Environment Cabinet must deny permits for projects that could harm air quality, water resources, wetlands, or other natural resources.
- Developers must comply with environmental laws and public-engagement requirements.
Beshear explained this order does not say yes to data centers, but says no to any that would not meet the requirements.
“They must invest responsibly, operate transparently and work in partnership with our people and our communities,” Beshear said during his weekly news conference.
The order does not change any current moratoriums in place, and said the decision on data centers still remains a “very local decision.”
He said the goal is to start the conversation between communities and data center developers in a “better place.”