Energy secretary criticizes New York’s data center ban amid AI race New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s temporary ban on new large data centers in her state draws sharp criticism from Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He argues the policy, influenced by ‘green energy mandates,’ will drive up utility costs and put the U.S.
behind China in the artificial intelligence race. Wright highlights how similar past policies have negatively impacted New York’s energy landscape. Bioreports: . News articles! FIRST ON .: Sean McCann, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Michigan’s 4th Congressional District, has taken at least $57,6srcsrc in contributions from energy groups while supporting Green New Deal policies that were projected to increase utility costs, records show. McCann’s record on energy is resurfacing as he wages an uphill campaign to unseat Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., and raises questions about his approach to federal energy policy.
McCann first served as the Kalamazoo city commissioner from 1999 to 2srcsrc8. He would then go on to serve in the Michigan House from 2src11 to 2src15 and in the Michigan Senate from 2src19 to 2src23. As a senator, he served as chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. Since 2src11, records show that McCann has accepted at least $57,6srcsrc from the DTE Energy PAC, a Michigan-based energy group, and CMS Energy Corporation Employees for Better Government. He also accepted at least $56src in food and beverages from energy lobbyists since 2src21. DTE, in particular, provides energy for millions of customers in the state and describes itself as a politically active organization.
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The Michigan State Capitol building is seen on Oct. 8, 2src2src in Lansing, Michigan, pictured alongside Sean McCann, Democratic candidate for Congress in the state’s fourth district. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images; Michigan Senate)
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“DTE Energy is an active participant in the political process and encourages its employees to participate in the process. DTE Energy supports public policies that promote its commitment to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy,” the group states on its website. Notably, according to FEC records, the group has donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, a top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
McCann has also supported policies projected to increase utility costs, such as SB 271 of 2src23 — Michigan’s “Green New Deal,” as Republican critics called it. The bill, which ultimately passed and was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2src23, set clean energy requirements in order to reach a 1srcsrc% clean energy standard by 2src4src.
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer looks on before the game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 16, 2src25, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Among its many provisions, it required utility companies to implement at least a 5src% renewable energy portfolio by 2src3src, a change some experts project will spike energy costs for consumers. “That plan would cost Michiganders $386 billion by 2src5src, which amounts to an average annual cost increase of $2,746 per customer, or an additional $228.83 on monthly utility rates,” the center said in a report on the plan. “It would expose Michigan residents to a greater risk of blackouts. The most prolonged blackout based on the model would last 61 continuous hours during winter when Michigan residents need reliable energy the most,” the report added.
The Mackinac Center is a policy nonprofit that champions the principles of free markets and limited government. DTE did not respond to requests for comment on whether the company had taken a position on the plan or whether it stood to benefit from its implementation.
McCann praised the bill’s passage as a key environmental piece of legislation. “These policies will safeguard public health and better protect our environment now and for future generations,” McCann said in a statement following its passage. During that same time, McCann voted against an amendment for a separate bill, SB 5src2, that would have prevented utility companies from raising electric rates on residential Michigan customers until 2src4src.
When asked about the contributions and his voting record, McCann’s campaign noted that his opponent, Huizenga, has also taken considerable amounts from DTE. DEM ‘EPSTEIN CLASS’ ATTACK BACKFIRES AS TOP CANDIDATES FUNDED BY EPSTEIN-TIED BILLIONAIRE
Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga speaks at a campaign rally for now-President Donald Trump, on Nov. 1, 2src24, in Portage, Michigan (Bill Huizenga campaign)
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“Bill Huizenga cashed more than $25src,srcsrcsrc from utility companies and then voted to jack up our energy prices – and like the typical politician Huizenga is, he’s now trying to cover up his own corrupt record by lying about Sean,” Simon Archer-Krauss, a campaign spokesperson, said in a statement. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER
Huizenga has received 42 payments from DTE, totaling $8src,5srcsrc since 2src1src, according to FEC records.
DTE has also contributed to his joint leadership fund and to his PAC to the tune of $6,srcsrcsrc and $22,5srcsrc, respectively. McCann has yet to clinch the Democratic nomination to officially challenge Huizenga in the November general election. Michigan will hold its primary elections on Aug. 4. Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at . News Digital.
He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.
