Representative Ro Khanna from California has called for a ‘Data Center Bill of Rights’. He voiced his concerns during an interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’, emphasizing the need for regulations that allow local communities to influence the locations of data centers.
Earlier this month, Khanna introduced a resolution for a Data Center Bill of Rights. This document proposes guidelines for data centers, which have become a significant discussion point during elections.
Host Kristen Welker posed a question about the U.S.’s ability to lead in artificial intelligence if it restricts data center infrastructure. Khanna responded, stating that “you can’t shove a data center down the throats of a local community without any say that that community has.”
Environmental advocates and progressive lawmakers recently rallied to support legislation aimed at halting new data center developments in New York.
He stressed, “You can’t be jacking up electricity prices.” Technology leaders, according to Khanna, agree on the need for a pause to address these issues appropriately.
When asked about his stance on data centers, Khanna clarified, “I believe it needs regulation.”
I introduced a Data Center Bill of Rights, saying it should never be in a residential community or farmland, and a local community should have the say of whether to do it.
Khanna’s resolution suggests that communities should have the power to ban data centers in residential areas, prevent increases in electric bills, and ensure these centers utilize clean energy.
The proliferation of data centers, which support the growth of artificial intelligence, has sparked debates within local communities. Residents have voiced concerns over the consumption of water and energy, alongside issues with noise and air pollution.
Consequently, candidates are addressing data centers as a political issue. A Gallup survey conducted in March revealed that 71% of Americans either somewhat or strongly oppose the construction of local AI data centers.
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