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NorthWestern Energy's CEO Brian Bird stated that the growth of data centers will prolong the use of fossil fuel power plants in South Dakota. He indicated that meeting the power demands of these centers, which consume significant electricity, will likely rely on coal and natural gas. Bird emphasized the state's need for a sales tax exemption to attract data center developers and discussed pending legislation for utilities to manage wildfire liabilities, reflecting the urgent need for risk management as climate change increases wildfire occurrences.