Dr. Al Olszewski was recently interviewed on the radio show “Voices of Montana” where he was hosted by Tom Schultz. Below is a transcript of Dr. Olszewski’s words where he answered a question about the concerns of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers in Montana. As you read the article and listen to the audio clip you will come to understand Dr. Olszewski’s recurrent theme centers around his “lens” concerning three crucial areas and that every issue he is running on must pass through the lens of his campaign motto “Freedom, Family, Affordability.” (You can listen to the recorded clip at the end of this article).
“As we look at all issues (and this is a very good example) I’m going to use a “Montana First” philosophy and again looking through the lens,
Does it make us free, does it help our families, and does it make life in Montana affordable?
I am opposing Artificial Intelligence Data Centers in Montana for the following reasons. Does it make life affordable? We need high paying jobs. AI is a big threat to who have white collar jobs, for those who work remotely and for those who work physically in Montana. How can you afford to raise your family if you’re put out of business by Artificial Intelligence?
We’re dealing with water issues, and we know it takes a significant amount of water to cool these Data Centers and that has a great risk in polluting and contaminating our water sources here in Montana. We have pristine waters here in Montana need to be very, very careful about staying free and that means water that is freely given and freely drank.
And then finally, we cannot have affordability in Montana if were competing for electricity against Data Centers in Montana. It is estimated from reading the articles here in Montana that all the electricity needed for Data Centers proposed is 200% of what we currently use for all consumers in Montana. Where does that come from?
Now I hear people say “Well they will make their own nuclear plant. However, that is unconstitutional in Montana at this point. But again, if were competing for electricity with Data Centers it goes up in price and it makes Montana even more unaffordable.
So, these are the reasons I oppose it and as a congressman, as I have said, my lens (freedom, families, and affordability) is for the people of Western Montana and Montana first of all and that’s going to have my first priority.”
To listen to Dr. Olszewski’s interview concerning AI Data Centers click below. (credit to Voices of Montana and host Tom Schultz)