North Carolina Republicans Push Bill Limiting Data Centers and Keeping Coal Online Until New Nuclear Permits Advance
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 29
North Carolina Republicans Push Bill Limiting Data Centers and Keeping Coal Online Until New Nuclear Permits Advance
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 29
North Carolina Republicans are advancing the “Ratepayer Protection Act,” which would curb data center expansion while blocking coal-plant retirements until key permits move forward for a new nuclear facility.
The bill pairs popular restrictions with broader energy-policy changes: it would shield ratepayers from data center infrastructure costs, ban foreign ownership, limit subsidies, bar eminent domain and require closed-loop cooling systems.
It also orders a study of the state’s 2050 carbon-neutrality goal focused on electricity rates, a step Democrats and environmental groups fear could set up repeal after lawmakers scrapped the 2030 target last year.
Gov. Josh Stein backs the idea that data centers should pay their own way, but his office has not said whether he would sign the measure if allies fail to strip out the coal and climate provisions.
The fight reflects a wider state-level trend in which lawmakers are using backlash over data centers’ power and water demands to advance longer-running battles over coal, renewables and climate policy.
As data centers' power demands surge, who will ultimately pay the multi-billion dollar price for grid expansion?
Why does a bill regulating Big Tech's energy use also delay the retirement of coal power plants?