The Iran Shock Is Not Over
A Conversation With Jason Bordoff and Meghan L. O'Sullivan. Podcast hosted by Foreign Affairs Editor Dan Kurtz-Phelan.
In today’s newsletter, we have an exclusive for you on House lawmakers’ plan to address data centers’ water consumption amid growing public backlash.
The technology is setting new records but is facing federal headwinds from rules aiming to restrict equipment imports from China.
“Rather than viewing grid expansion and affordability as competing priorities, utilities increasingly have an opportunity to advance both simultaneously by extracting more value from the transmission assets already in service.”
The combination of growing political pressure on AI companies and their need for a reliable and quickly expanding grid presents an opportunity to change who plans and finances American power.
Data centers are sparking a political fight over electric bills and AI infrastructure as governors in both parties freeze grid connections and restrict permits.
Data centers face growing local opposition as states impose moratoriums on hyperscale projects and grid connections. Communities can negotiate deals for tax revenue and jobs.
When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was enacted, a widespread reading was that US power-sector decarbonization had been derailed.