Amid staunch support for highly controversial Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center development in the state of Florida from several prominent candidates, Republican Congressional Candidate Casey Askar affirms that he will work to “keep them out of our state.”
Askar Doesn't Want Data Centers in FL
During a Florida 22nd Congressional District (FL CD 22) Forum, Askar stood firm on his views on AI Data Centers and their impact on his prospective constituents.
“As your representative, my job is to keep AI data centers outside of our neighborhoods,” the U.S. Marine veteran said, asserting that he doesn’t want them anywhere near residences, densely populated regions, schools, agriculture, or the Sunshine State’s water supplies.
“In fact, my position will be – and you can hold me to this – is I don’t want them in the state of Florida,” the Naples Republican stated, vowing to do everything he can to keep them outside of the state.
Pro-Data Center Candidates
Askar’s position is a complete one-eighty degree turn from Gubernatorial candidate Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), who believes the state “should embrace” the developments.
“I think for the future of the state, what’s going to be important are data centers and power – those are going to be the two critical things for the state of Florida,” Congressman Donalds previously stated during an Economic Club of Miami conference.
During the FL CD 22 Forum, Askar’s challengers, Belinda Keiser and Michael Carbonara, were also asked about the controversial topic.
Keiser, vice chancellor of Keiser University, stated that she believed the state should open the door to technological innovation while also ensuring that local safeguards are in place to protect constituents’ interests.
Carbonara, a prominent supporter of AI data hubs, has owned data centers in the past, and is the current owner of a cryptocurrency data center mining operation, stated that he believes that the decision should fall to the communities, not the federal government.
Florida’s primary election will take place on August 18th.
