
William Beard
Municipal Affairs Liaison, Goldwater Institute
William “Bill” Beard is the Municipal Affairs Liaison at the Goldwater Institute, where he works with cities, towns, and counties to find solutions that protect taxpayers and promote a limited and transparent government.
Topics
Appearances (1)
2026-04-28
William Beard of Goldwater Institute Talks Data Centers and Energy PolicyIn the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews William Beard, Municipal Affairs Liaison at the Goldwater Institute. Beard discusses the importance of data centers in modern society, their energy consumption, and the role of free market principles in shaping energy policy. He emphasizes the need for efficient resource use and addresses concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, including power and water usage. Beard advocates for the benefits of technology, including artificial intelligence, in improving lives and driving economic growth.
Notable quotes
“A data center is simply the ability to do that now, from your home or your business at your desktop.”
“We are literally in a new information age where you are required in order to do your job to operate in this 21st century.”
“The demand is not going to go away.”
“Data centers are not something that dropped in from outer space last week.”
“The most modern data centers that we've seen are actually losing less than 1% of water due to evaporation or use.”
“Just because there may be some negative consequences to utilizing that tool, if the upside of utilizing those tools means some people get to live a more healthy, productive and long life.”


