Federal officials encourage tribes to explore data center partnerships
The federal government is encouraging tribes to partner with data centers through land leases or energy sales, according to the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration of public media stations that includes Wyoming Public Radio. At a Feb. 12 U.S. Department of Energy webinar titled “Beyond Land Leases: Harnessing Data Centers for Tribal Economic Development,” Ken Ahmann, chief operating officer of Colusa Indian Energy, said such projects could inject “potentially billions of dollars into the coffers of tribes.” Elisah VandenBussche of the department’s Indian Energy Policy and Programs Office said the administration is offering financial and technical assistance to tribes interested in partnerships.
Supporters say developers can help tribes build energy infrastructure and expand internet access. Paul Bemore, chair of the Osage Nation utility authority board, told the Mountain West News Bureau that data centers could help tribes diversify their economies and strengthen data sovereignty. Some tribal members have raised concerns about environmental impacts and sovereignty, including potential strain on water supplies, according to the news bureau.
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