Moynihan Defends AI Data Centers’ Benefits as 80% of Americans Fall Under Ratepayer Plan
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Moynihan Defends AI Data Centers’ Benefits as 80% of Americans Fall Under Ratepayer Plan
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Summary
States weighing bans or limits on AI data centers are overlooking what Lydia Moynihan described as broad local gains, arguing the projects are reviving small towns rather than simply straining communities.
Ellendale, North Dakota, Richland Parish, Louisiana, and Quincy, Washington were cited as examples where data centers lifted jobs and tax revenue, including $50,000 teacher bonuses and a new $120 million high school.
More than 80% of Americans are covered by President Donald Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Plan, which Moynihan said requires AI companies to bear their own power costs instead of passing them to households.
A June 2026 study found modest electricity-rate declines near some data centers, while Ellendale residents reportedly saved $250 a year and newer closed-loop cooling systems reduced water use toward near-zero community demand.
The argument widens beyond infrastructure: 61% of small-business owners report using AI, 91% of those users say it helped their business, and some data-center electricians in Texas were said to earn $240,000 to $280,000.