Labor Union Donates Significantly to Kentucky Governor's PAC Amid Data Center Concerns
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a national labor union, has made substantial donations totaling $206,000 to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's political action committee, 'In This Together.' This makes the IBEW the fourth-largest donor to the PAC since its creation after Governor Beshear's 2023 reelection. These contributions occur as public concern grows regarding the environmental impact and resource consumption of hyperscale data centers. Governor Beshear recently issued an executive order aimed at protecting the public from potential harms associated with data centers. However, Jason Bailey, executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, noted that the order does not specify how these facilities should be taxed. The union's support for data centers stems from the significant employment opportunities they create for electricians, advocating for responsible development with strong worker and community protections. The IBEW has a history of supporting pro-labor po...
