Western States Face Unprecedented Energy, Water Demand Driven by AI Boom

This article was originally featured in KJZZ. Written by Wayne Schutsky.

Western Governors Highlight Urgent Need for Energy Reform Amid AI and Population Growth

At last week’s Western Governors’ Association conference in Arizona, state and federal leaders warned that America’s energy infrastructure is falling behind the surging demand fueled by AI data centers and rapid population growth. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum called for urgent permitting reform to accelerate critical energy and transmission projects, particularly in western states where federal land ownership complicates development.

While the conversation spotlighted traditional energy sources, concerns were raised over the exclusion of solar and wind projects from fast track permitting efforts, drawing pushback from renewable advocates and environmental groups.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego’s comments, made during a USHBC Bipartisan Q&A event in September, were echoed in the dialogue. He emphasized the need for a balanced, inclusive energy strategy: “We need to be agnostic when it comes to energy, which means all forms of energy as fast as possible on the grid.”

As policymakers debate the path forward, one thing is clear: the future of America’s energy landscape will require speed, flexibility, and bipartisan cooperation.

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