AI companies are bracing for possible data center regulations
The video reports that incoming Democratic majorities in Congress are preparing new AI safeguards amid voter opposition to data center construction and concerns about energy and water use. OpenAI has announced commitments to cover the full energy and infrastructure costs of its facilities, protect water resources and create jobs, while one incoming lawmaker has proposed a two-year data center moratorium.
The report says midterm election results may accelerate federal regulation of artificial intelligence and data centers. Audra Elnashar reports from Capitol Hill that voters supported candidates promising AI guardrails, while ballot measures in multiple communities sought to limit or block new data center construction. Exit polling cited in the report found that AI and data centers were a major factor for 56% of voters.
OpenAI responded with a public-relations initiative pledging to pay the full energy and infrastructure costs associated with its facilities, protect water resources and invest in jobs. An incoming Democratic lawmaker also described a data center plan that includes a proposed two-year moratorium. The report notes that Democrats may not have enough votes to override a presidential veto and that President Donald Trump has opposed AI regulation while supporting data center growth, potentially creating room for negotiations.