Chair says data centers must address water and energy before local buy-in

Questioner asked whether the federal government should regulate data-center siting and national-security implications; the Chair called the debate complex and framed much of the authority as state-level, while stressing community concerns over water and energy.

"I'd ask the data center people, how are you gonna re re how are you gonna recycle your water? And how are you gonna generate your own energy?" the Chair said, urging developers to present clear plans on resource use before communities consider approvals. (Chair)

Why it matters: data centers can consume significant local water and power; the Chair suggested communities are justified in demanding conservation and self-supply plans as part of development discussions.

Next steps: the Chair said states and localities should set rules and standards, and that federal discussion may be more limited unless national-security concerns arise.