# ND AI and Data Center Committee holds first meeting - KFYR-TV

*Источник: KFYR-TV*
*Дата: 2026-07-15*
*Язык: en*

**Кратко:** (KFYR) - A new legislative committee focused on artificial intelligence and data centers held its first meeting Wednesday at the state capitol, launching a months-long study that could shape future state law. Members of the Legislature’s AI and Data Center Committee spent the day hearing from experts on how artificial intelligence is regulated across the country and what opportunities and challenges it presents for North Dakota.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - A new legislative committee focused on artificial intelligence and data centers held its first meeting Wednesday at the state capitol, launching a months-long study that could shape future state law.
Members of the Legislature’s AI and Data Center Committee spent the day hearing from experts on how artificial intelligence is regulated across the country and what opportunities and challenges it presents for North Dakota.
While much of the morning focused on AI, presentations and public comments later shifted toward data centers and how communities should prepare for future development.
Tech ND Executive Director Terry Effertz said the state is already home to a range of data center operations.
“We already have all sorts of data centers. We’ve had small data centers for a while. We have enterprise, and we do have some hyperscalers as well. And of course, that’s because we have abundant power. We create a lot of electrons here. We have a cooling climate, and there is available land,” Effertz said.
Among the topics discussed was a zoning ordinance designed to serve as a guide for communities and counties working with data center development.
Supporters said the framework is intended to help local governments prepare before projects are proposed, while still allowing communities to tailor regulations to their own needs.
North Dakota League of Cities Deputy Director Stephanie Engebretson said the tool addresses a gap for local governments.
“It became clear to us that there was not a tool available yet to help political subdivisions that want to start proactively having these discussions to have a starting point to look at where their zoning ordinances were,” Engebretson said.
Following public comment, lawmakers continued hearing presentations on how state agencies are already using artificial intelligence and the relationship between future data center growth and North Dakota’s energy sector.
The committee is expected to continue its study of AI and data centers. Findings will be used during the 2027 legislative session to propose changes in state law if needed.
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