Khanna to introduce 'Data Center Bill of Rights' as fight over AI power plants heats up
Rep. Ro Khanna is introducing a "Data Center Bill of Rights" at the federal level to empower local communities to reject data center construction and regulate their development. The proposed resolution addresses concerns over potential utility rate hikes, environmental impacts, and the location of data centers near residential areas. This move comes as data centers face growing political opposition nationwide due to their high energy and water demands.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) plans to introduce a "Data Center Bill of Rights" in response to growing nationwide opposition against data centers. Khanna, who recently visited Pennsylvania and heard significant public feedback against these facilities, stated the resolution aims to empower local communities to reject data center construction, preventing them from being "shoved down their throat" or built in farmlands and residential areas. The proposed rights would allow communities to bar data centers within 2,500 feet of sensitive locations like homes and schools, ensure transparent community processes for rejecting projects, and preserve states' ability to enact moratoriums until protections against rising electricity bills and water depletion are approved.
The initiative comes amidst increasing legislative efforts to regulate data center development, driven by concerns over their substantial energy and water consumption contributing to higher living costs. The article highlights that data center opponents have seen recent political successes, exemplified by Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's support for state and local data center moratoriums, an endorsement he made after winning a competitive primary. Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley, observed that "hyperscalers" are "losing the country" due to this widespread opposition. The resolution also calls for data centers to use clean energy, meet pollution limits, and prevent utility bill increases for residents.