Trump says nearly 200 firms signed pledge to protect from costs of datacenters
5 hours ago
- Trump announced about 200 entities have signed his non-binding 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' to prevent US consumers from bearing AI datacenter costs.
- The pledge, initially signed by seven tech companies in March, now covers companies delivering 80% of US power, including major utilities and 23 Republican governors.
- Opposition to datacenters has become bipartisan due to rising utility rates and environmental/social impacts; over a dozen states considered moratoria, and New York enacted a temporary ban.
- Green groups criticized the pledge as weak and non-binding, stating it won't lower families' electric bills or ensure accountability.
- Trump framed the pledge as protecting US energy dominance and opposing 'radical left communists' who he claims want to surrender AI race to China.