Colorado Governor Jared Polis, in an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival, defended the proliferation of data centers, attributing public resistance to broader unease about artificial intelligence rather than the facilities themselves. "Of course, there needs to be data centers," Polis stated, emphasizing their value if they lower utility rates and align with water use standards. He added that "general frustration about what the rise of AI means... is giving people pause."
The departing Democrat, who leaves office in January due to term limits, has spent eight years governing at the intersection of energy, technology, and climate debates. Colorado has emerged as a national microcosm of these tensions, with Polis championing an "all of the above" energy strategy that embraces both renewable sources and fossil fuels.
Renewable electricity generation in Colorado has more than tripled over the past decade, according to state data, even as natural gas remains a dominant part of the energy mix. Polis has also touted the state's oil and gas regulations amid ongoing discussions about meeting the power demands of expanding data centers.
Critics argue that natural gas reliance conflicts with emissions goals, while advocates say data centers are essential for economic growth and AI development. Polis's stance reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing affordability and reliability over a strict phase-out of hydrocarbons.
The governor's comments highlight a growing national debate about how quickly the grid can transition to cleaner energy while supporting the electricity-intensive AI sector. Polis's framing suggests that public education about AI's benefits, not just data center construction permits, may be necessary to build consensus.