Vermont House Democrats Stand By Data Center Protections While Republicans Prove To Be Influenced By Big Tech

MONTPELIER, VT — House Democrats voted unsuccessfully last week to overturn the governor’s veto of H727, a bill that would have set up strong guidelines for future data centers that are built in the state.

The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in its initial passage out of the House, but House Republicans decided that they would rather fall in line with the governor’s folding to big tech than listen to what Vermonters really want. Our job is to make sure that our utilities are affordable and our land is protected. Our job is not to acquiesce to companies that are looking to make money at any cost.

“We are extremely disappointed that the governor is influenced by the big tech lobby more than the voices of his constituents,” said House Majority Leader Lori Houghton.

H727 protects rate payers, communities, and the environment. Data centers don’t provide meaningful or long-term workforce development or help rural Vermonters; they raise utility rates and damage farmland.

Facilities are being planned right now that would use more electricity per year than the entire state of Vermont. We can’t afford to pay for that.

The veto count was along party lines: 83 to 52. It’s disappointing that we weren’t able to override the governor’s pandering and irresponsible veto, but it’s heartening that House Democrats are willing to stand by our legislative decisions and fight for our state and the people who live here.

# # #

CONTACT:

Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us