Code At The Capitol

Could massive AI data centers actually help lower your electricity bills? And is Colorado at risk of missing out on one of the biggest technological and economic opportunities of the decade?

In this episode of Code at the Capitol, host Vanessa Rutledge welcomes Sarah Maltabano, Energy Policy Analyst at Independence Institute and Always On Energy, for a conversation about the growing data center industry and its impact on Colorado's energy future.

As artificial intelligence drives demand for larger and more powerful data centers, concerns are growing about electricity consumption, water usage, environmental impacts, and rising utility bills. But are these concerns supported by the facts?

Sarah explains how data centers can actually reduce electricity costs under certain conditions, why Colorado's energy policies could make attracting these facilities more difficult, and how other states are positioning themselves to benefit from the industry's expansion.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why data centers don't necessarily mean higher electricity bills.
• How Colorado's power grid compares with neighboring states.
• The truth behind claims about data centers consuming millions of gallons of water.
• How new cooling technologies are reducing water consumption.
• Why Colorado's proposed regulations could send investment to states like Wyoming.
• How communities in Virginia have benefited from data center tax revenue.
• Whether allowing data centers to generate their own electricity could protect Colorado ratepayers.

From the future of artificial intelligence to the policies shaping Colorado's economy, Vanessa and Sarah explore how the state can balance technological innovation, environmental concerns, and affordable energy.

Is Colorado preparing for the future of AI, or regulating itself out of the conversation?

Tune in to Code at the Capitol for an informative discussion about the intersection of technology, energy, and public policy.

Code at the Capitol explores the technology issues, legislative decisions, and emerging innovations shaping Colorado's future, hosted by Vanessa Rutledge and presented by Independence Institute.

Colorado made headlines by becoming the first state to pass comprehensive artificial intelligence regulations. But does being first mean getting it right?

On this episode of Code at the Capitol, host Vanessa Rutledge welcomes Kaden Rosenbaum of the Reason Foundation to examine Colorado's controversial AI legislation, the problems with its original approach, and whether the state's revised regulations will actually protect consumers.

From automated hiring decisions and housing loans to concerns about discrimination and government oversight, Vanessa and Kaden explore how AI regulations could affect everyday Coloradans, businesses, and software developers.

They also discuss the challenges of navigating conflicting state laws, the possibility of federal AI standards, and whether industry-led solutions could provide meaningful consumer protections without stifling innovation.

Is Colorado setting the standard for responsible AI regulation, or is the state creating unnecessary obstacles for emerging technology?

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about government regulation, consumer rights, and the future of artificial intelligence in Colorado and beyond.

Code at the Capitol explores the intersection of technology and public policy, breaking down the legislation and decisions shaping Colorado's digital future.

Can the government force social media companies to deliver its message?

On this episode of Code at the Capitol, Vanessa Rutledge is joined by Paul Tasker of NetChoice to discuss Colorado’s social media law requiring warning labels aimed at minors, and the First Amendment lawsuit challenging that requirement.

Paul explains why NetChoice argues the warning amounts to government-compelled speech, how social media warnings differ from labels on physical products like cigarettes, and where the legal challenge currently stands.

They also discuss parental controls already available to families, the role of government in protecting minors online, and the costs associated with defending challenged speech laws.

Can the government protect kids online without crossing the line into compelled speech? Tune in to find out.

Automated license plate readers are appearing across Colorado, but how much information are they actually collecting about you?

On this episode of Code at the Capitol, Vanessa Rutledge talks with Denver-area civil rights attorney Andy McNulty, who is suing the City of Boulder over its use of Flock cameras. The lawsuit began after McNulty's client requested images the system had captured of his own vehicle and was told he could not obtain them.

McNulty explains how automated license plate readers can record vehicles, locations and timestamps and how that information can be used to reconstruct a person's movements. He argues that law enforcement should need a warrant before using these systems to track someone.

Vanessa and Andy also discuss the Fourth Amendment, documented concerns about misuse, the argument that people who have "nothing to hide" shouldn't worry about surveillance, and the danger of creating a powerful surveillance infrastructure that could be abused in the future.

When does a crime-fighting tool become mass surveillance? And should police be able to track where you've been without a warrant?

Code at the Capitol examines the intersection of technology, government and public policy, and what it means for Coloradans.

Who decides what you’re allowed to see online? As governments push new age restrictions, the fight over privacy, free speech, and who controls your digital world is just beginning. Taylor Barkley of Abundance Institute explains.