Kreiss-Tomkins unveils platform to institute moratorium on data centers and regulate AI
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a Democratic candidate for governor of Alaska, has unveiled a platform proposing a moratorium on all new data centers in the state. His plan also aims to block data centers from increasing electric bills for Alaskans and mandate local approval for any future developments. Additionally, the platform addresses artificial intelligence technology by proposing state-level regulations and liabilities for AI companies.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a Democratic candidate for governor of Alaska, has announced a comprehensive platform to regulate data center development and artificial intelligence within the state. The cornerstone of his plan is a proposed moratorium on all new data centers until the Alaska legislature can enact thorough regulations.
Kreiss-Tomkins' initiative seeks to protect Alaskans from potential negative impacts, specifically by preventing data centers from causing electric rate increases and requiring local government approval for projects. He highlighted Alaska's current lack of statewide regulation for data centers and AI, noting that the state lags behind both Democrat-led and Republican-led states in this regard. His announcement makes him the first gubernatorial candidate to present a detailed plan on these issues.
Beyond data centers, the platform addresses AI risks by proposing that AI companies be held liable in Alaska courts for product harms, banning deepfakes, requiring disclosure of AI in political ads, and cracking down on AI-enabled fraud and voice cloning. Kreiss-Tomkins, with a background in science and technology policy at a national nonprofit, emphasizes the need for state action to implement commonsense guardrails around AI technology and ensure human oversight in state decisions.