Energy

Data center growth threatens state climate goals

Emission-heavy power sources may be necessary to ensure grid reliability.
California Governor Gavin Newsom poses for photos after signing a new climate agreement with Oregon Governor Kate Brown, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier John Horgan at the Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco, Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Climate-conscious state lawmakers have proposed policies to keep states on track to meet their environmental goals, as rising electricity demand spurred by data center development is threatening to hamstring efforts to rein in greenhouse-gas emissions. 

Those proposals include requiring or incentivizing data centers to provide their own clean power; data center development moratoriums; establishing virtual power plants; ramping up rooftop solar; and establishing cap-and-trade programs.

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