Guest column discusses data center and AI policy in Virginia amidst political spending concerns
A guest column argues that the influence of "big money" from tech companies in elections prevents effective regulation of data centers and AI in Virginia and at the national level. The author highlights public concerns in South Hampton Roads about data centers' impact on electricity, water, pollution, and open space, criticizing Virginia's $1.6 billion tax break for data center developers. It advocates for campaign finance reform to allow for the creation of policies that protect communities from the negative consequences of unregulated development.
Matt Strickler's column critiques the influence of "big money" from tech companies on elections, arguing it hinders the creation of responsible policies for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data center development in Virginia and at the national level. Drawing from his experience campaigning in Virginia's 2nd District, Strickler notes widespread public anxiety in South Hampton Roads about data center expansion in northern Virginia, citing concerns over rising electricity bills, water shortages, pollution, and loss of open space. He also mentions public fears regarding AI's impact on jobs and privacy.
Strickler specifically points to the $1.6 billion annual tax break Virginia provides data center developers as an example of "corporate welfare" enabled by political spending, and criticizes legislators, including U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, for prioritizing tech giants over constituents. He asserts that Americans overwhelmingly support AI safeguards and oppose nearby data center construction, contradicting current legislative inaction.
The former Virginia secretary of natural and historic resources proposes specific policy changes for data centers, including prohibiting residential utility rate hikes, requiring data centers to fund grid upgrades and use clean energy, preventing excessive water and land use, and mandating community benefit agreements. For AI, he advocates for strong protections for children, consumers, and workers, national safety standards, and a tax on energy-intensive AI applications. Strickler concludes that effective regulation is possible but requires campaign finance reform to empower voters over corporate influence.