Washington, Sept. 10 -- Rep. Kathy Castor issued the following press release:

TAMPA, Fla. - U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) today expressed strong opposition to data centers in Hillsborough County in a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. Castor highlighted the significant strains on pocketbooks and local resources associated with data center development that can drive up electric and water bills for residents, farmers and small businesses. In Hillsborough County, the average electric utility bill has increased by over 40 percent in the past five years. Castor's bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act would require data centers to pay the full costs of energy demand and protect ratepayers from data center rate hikes....