Nebraska’s business, political leaders gather at Federal Legislative Summit

The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum brought together Nebraska's business and political leaders to discuss AI data centers.

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Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum holds 17th annual Federal Legislative Summit

ASHLAND, Neb. —

Nebraska business and political leaders gathered at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum on Wednesday for the 17th annual Federal Legislative Summit.

One thing they touched on was data centers and being a part of the artificial intelligence boom.

“We’re subsidizing more and more natural gas power to get to our grid, to keep up with the growth that we have and to make us an attractive spot for the AI data center boom,” Ross Perot Jr., U.S. Chamber of Commerce chairman, said.

Perot also said that the growth of artificial intelligence will drive demand for data centers and electricity.

He also urged Nebraska communities to focus on infrastructure and housing.

In addition, several members of Nebraska’s congressional delegation attended down for the summit.

Congressmen Mike Flood, Adrian Smith joined Sen. Pete Ricketts. Don Bacon and Deb Fischer also joined virtually.

When asked about the future of energy in the state, Flood turned to Omaha and was met with a mixed response.

“No self-inflicted wounds, which means we don’t shut down the North Omaha power station, period…That should be an applause line. We cannot shut down the north Omaha power station,” Flood said.

Sen. Ricketts brought up China’s recent push for nuclear energy, and said the US needs to keep up.

He added Nebraska does have a competitive advantage in biofuels.

“Whether it’s going to be E15 all year round or I’ve got the renewable Fuels for Ocean Going Vessels Act, which would expand the same sort of tax credits that you can get for terrestrial vehicles to ocean going vessels,” Ricketts said.

Congressman Smith also highlighted biofuels and the need to promote them.

“We do want to establish an environment where technology can take off. And I think we’ve proven that in biofuels, when you look at resources and incenting the biofuels in the beginning, those have tailed off. The industry continues to build and grow,” Smith said.

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