Debunking Myths About Data Centers with Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s Ross Marchand

Published May 12, 2026 · Featuring Ross Marchand of Taxpayers Protection Alliance

Ross Marchand, Executive Director of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, discusses data centers and their impact on energy and water use in the latest Powering A

Data centers play a crucial role in the digital ecosystem, impacting energy consumption, infrastructure development, and economic growth, according to Ross Marchand of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. In the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast, Marchand addresses common misconceptions about data centers and discusses their significance in today's economy.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — Ross Marchand, Executive Director of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, appeared on the Powering America Podcast to discuss the importance of data centers in the context of energy consumption, infrastructure development, and economic growth. He highlighted the myths surrounding data centers and their impact on resource allocation, particularly electricity and water.

Marchand emphasized that data centers are essential for powering the entire digital ecosystem. He stated, "Data centers are essential for powering the whole digital ecosystem." He noted that while concerns about energy and water consumption are prevalent, they often lack context. For instance, data centers account for less than 5% of national electricity use, and other sectors, such as hotels and golf courses, consume more water on average.

The conversation also touched on the regulatory challenges facing data centers. Marchand pointed out that "the problem is, state and local policy especially, but also federal policy have just not kept pace with these technological advancements." He urged policymakers to consider the benefits of data centers, including their potential to drive economic growth and technological innovation.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting accountability in government and advocating for policies that protect taxpayers' interests.

About the Powering America Podcast

The Powering America Podcast focuses on energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth, featuring discussions with experts and leaders in the field to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the United States.

About Taxpayers Protection Alliance

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy. TPA, through its network of taxpayers, holds politicians accountable for the effects of their policies on the size, scope, efficiency and activity of government and offer real solutions to runaway deficits and debt. Through blogs, commentaries, and special spending alerts, TPA publishes timely exposés of government waste, fraud, and abuse. Recognizing the importance of reaching people through traditional and new media, TPA uses blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and user-generated videos to reach out to taxpayers and government officials. Ultimately recognizing that the greatest power of change rests with the millions of Americans across the country who are ready for a smaller, more accountable government, TPA is a catalyst for connecting taxpayers to their elected and unelected officials.

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About the Guest

Ross Marchand — Executive Director, Taxpayers Protection Alliance

Ross Marchand is Executive Director of Taxpayers Protection Alliance. Ross is an alumnus of the Mercatus Center MA Fellowship at George Mason University and a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He has worked on a variety of legal matters, including the Alaska-Hawaiian airline merger and the United States Postal Service v. Konan Supreme Court case. He has also authored policy briefs on a variety of issues, including multiple analyses on the legal and policy issues facing the Food and Drug Administration. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Forbes, The Denver Post, and the Washington Examiner.

About the Powering America Podcast

The Powering America Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.