Cheap energy and blue water
"Data centers are predicted to become the single largest power consumers in the Pacific Northwest.
"This could allow tech companies to form a monopoly on cheap energy while simultaneously driving up utility costs for regular citizens.
"Lawmakers tried to fix this issue with Washington House Bill 2515, which would have forced facilities to use clean energy and reduce power during high electricity demand. 'These policies seek to protect ratepayers by ensuring new data centers are picking up the whole tab for new growth,' said State Rep. Beth Doglio.
"Despite efforts to enforce clean energy, the bill died in committee, mostly due to the tech industry lobbying.
"This defeat will leave residents vulnerable to rising utility costs and a high risk for electricity blackouts, while AI industries continue to benefit from cheap energy."
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