Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, is pushing for a “Data Center Bill of Rights.” He shared his views on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” expressing the need for data centers to have regulations allowing local communities greater influence on their placement.
Earlier this month, Khanna introduced a resolution suggesting guidelines for data centers. These centers have become a significant topic in national elections. When questioned by moderator Kristen Welker about the U.S.’s capability to lead in artificial intelligence if it restricts data center infrastructure, Khanna responded, “You can’t force a data center on a local community without their input.”
Environmental advocates and progressive lawmakers recently held a rally supporting legislation for a moratorium on new data centers in New York. Khanna emphasized, “You can’t be increasing electricity prices.” He noted that technology leaders agree on the necessity for a pause to address these issues effectively.
Clarifying his stance, Khanna stated, “I believe it needs regulation.” He explained his Data Center Bill of Rights proposal includes measures ensuring data centers are not placed in residential or farming areas. Communities should decide whether to host these facilities.
Khanna’s proposal would enable communities to ban data centers in residential zones, oppose electricity rate hikes, and mandate clean energy use for the centers. Data centers have spread nationwide, driven by the growth of artificial intelligence. However, they have stirred controversy in local areas. Concerns revolve around their water and energy consumption, as well as noise and air pollution. As a result, political candidates now face data centers as an election issue.
A March Gallup survey revealed that 71% of Americans somewhat or strongly oppose the local construction of AI data centers.