Lawmakers Trade Jabs Over Future Of AI Data Centers

(Pierre, SD) — A bill that bans data centers from receiving tax exemptions is causing a stir in Pierre. Speaker of the House Jon Hansen and Senator Chris Karr filed the bill but a competing bill was issued by Senator Jim Mehlaff. He says Hansen’s bill implements the “Bernie Sanders” approach to regulating the massive centers. Mehlhaff’s competing bill in the House is more friendly to businesses, allowing utility companies and local governments to work out increased energy and water usage costs with the corporations. Hansen called the comparisons to Bernie Sanders “ridiculous.”