“Local communities naturally want to see new jobs but not at the expense of higher electricity prices or the diversion of their water,” Smith said in an interview with The Associated Press. In Hobart, Indiana, last week, the City Council approved a tax-abatement package for a multibillion-dollar Amazon data center planned there. Company officials have pledged that the centers’ impact will be minimal and will contribute carbon-free energy to the power grid. There are times when the power that is coming to our data centers is generated by something like natural gas. Smith: We are supportive of Wisconsin developing a comprehensive electricity plan.

Source: ABC News January 13, 2026 14:55 UTC