HARTFORD, CT — Ned Lamont is scrambling to rewrite his record on data centers, but his own words tell a different story. After championing more data centers, dismissing local opposition, and defending the corporate welfare he pushed into law, Lamont is suddenly singing a different tune. The facts say otherwise:
Claim #1, SOURCE: “We have said no to energy sucking AI data centers and we’ll keep saying no.”
Fact, SOURCE: “Data centers are already a reality in Connecticut, but Gov. Ned Lamont says he wants them to be prioritized. Lamont said artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a crucial sector of the state’s economy.”
“We’re prepared to double down in terms of quantum computing, a major center down here in Fairfield County, an AI center as well in the Stamford area,” Lamont said.
“The governor said he’s in favor of building more data centers.”
“According to Lamont, building these centers also represents a seismic shift for the state’s economy.”
“Think about how AI applies to Connecticut’s competitive strengths.”
“Lamont mentioned advocating for the construction of a large data center in Fairfield County. His office stated he is encouraging developing data centers across Connecticut.”
“We’ve had a number of proposals — one in particular up at Millstone (nuclear power plant in Waterford), saying, ‘Let us put a data center there.’ I say, ‘That’s great. It puts us front and center with AI.” (SOURCE #2)
Claim #2, SOURCE: “We passed this back at a time before hyperscale data centers were envisioned, and many other states did the same thing,” Maroney said.
Fact, SOURCE: Hyperscale data centers were already widespread by mid-2020, with 541 reported.
Claim #3, SOURCE: “This was not about hyperscale data centers and what we’re all thinking of now. This was for data centers that could be used for biotech companies,” said Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford.
Fact, SOURCE: House Bill No. 6514 has no explicit carveouts for limiting eligibility to specific industries.
Claim #4, SOURCE: “Communities here don’t want them.”
Fact, SOURCE: “The governor pushed back when asked if he was concerned over any potential opposition by local residents over future data centers.”
“Look, there’s no NIMBY when it comes to data centers,” Lamont said.
Claim #5, SOURCE: “If reelected to a third term, Lamont would maintain the tax incentive program, though he said he is open to working with the legislature in 2027 to establish legal guardrails for data centers as other states and some local governments have done.”
Fact, SOURCE: “I want Connecticut to be a leader, but I’m not positive I want Connecticut to be the world’s leader in the regulation of AI,” he said.