The Goldwater Institute's Bill Beard on Data Centers, AI, and the Future of Infrastructure

In this episode of the Powering America Podcast, host Bryan Hyde speaks with Bill Beard, Municipal Affairs Liaison at the Goldwater Institute, about the growing role of data centers in the modern economy and the policy debates surrounding them. Beard explains that data centers are essentially the digital equivalent of libraries—critical infrastructure that powers everything from smartphones to cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The conversation explores common concerns about energy use, water consumption, and environmental impact, with Beard arguing that technological advancements are making data centers more efficient through innovations like closed-loop cooling systems and alternative water sources. He also highlights how consistent energy demand from data centers can stabilize power grids and potentially align with emerging solutions like small modular nuclear reactors.

Beyond infrastructure, the episode dives into the broader implications of AI, with Beard emphasizing its potential to accelerate breakthroughs in areas like healthcare. The discussion ultimately returns to foundational principles, including property rights and free market dynamics, which Beard says are often missing from public conversations about energy and infrastructure development.

This episode offers a grounded, policy-focused look at how data centers fit into America's economic future—and why they may be more essential than many realize.

You can find the data center report that Bill mentioned below.

https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/policy-report/data-centers/