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President Trump announced during his State of the Union speech new agreements with the tech industry to ensure they cover more of the costs of powering new artificial intelligence data centers. It could signal his administration’s willingness to continue development despite the risk of further taxing the electric grid and spiking electricity prices. The following Cornell University experts are available for comment.
Fengqi You
Roxanne E. and Michael J. Zak Professor in Energy Systems Engineering
Fengqi You, professor of energy systems engineering, looks at the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable energy systems. He recently co-authored analysis of the AI data center environmental impact state-by-state.
You says:
“Having data centers cover a larger share of the electricity and infrastructure costs associated with rapid AI growth can help protect households and small businesses from unintended bill impacts, especially in regions where the grid is already constrained. But cost responsibility alone won’t determine whether this buildout is sustainable.
“The key is whether data center expansion is paired with measurable actions that reduce energy systems' stress and environmental impacts: adding new clean generation, investing in transmission and distribution upgrades, adopting water-efficient cooling, and demonstrating operational flexibility so AI computing can shift away from peak grid hours. Policy should link interconnection approvals and incentives to transparent cost allocation and verifiable performance on emissions, water use, and load flexibility. Otherwise, we risk higher prices and local environmental burdens even with pledges in place.”
