On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) voiced her support for data centers and backed President Donald Trump's effort to ensure that electricity costs for the centers aren't passed on to those who live in the communities where they're being built.
According to Britt, data centers are "critical to maintaining our economic edge over China and remaining a global leader in technological advancement."
"Senator Britt is a strong supporter of President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge and attended its signing at the White House in March," a Britt spokesman told 1819 News. "Due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence and the need for increased computing power, she believes data centers are critical to maintaining our economic edge over China and remaining a global leader in technological advancement."
Alabama's junior U.S. Senator also backed Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, an initiative in which "companies agree to protect American consumers from price hikes due to data center energy and infrastructure requirements, and lower electricity costs for consumers in the long term," according to the White House.
"However, top of mind for Senator Britt is protecting hardworking Americans from subsidizing the electricity and infrastructure costs required to power data centers. The pledge signals the White House’s mutual commitment to putting Americans first while ensuring America wins this vital race against China," Britt's office added.
In a post to X, Britt wrote, "Data centers should pay for their own electricity, not hardworking Americans."
"I support [Trump] taking steps to protect ratepayers while maintaining our competitive edge over China and ensuring America remains a global leader in technological advancement," she continued. "This is the way."
Data centers have become a hot-button issue of late, with those opposed voicing concerns about the environment and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Supporters, like President Donald Trump, say the centers could lead to increased tax revenue for states as well as assist in the AI race against China.
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