Guthrie calls for investigations into AI, data center opposition
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie is calling for federal investigations into nationwide opposition to artificial intelligence development and data center construction, citing potential links to the Chinese government. He and other representatives sent a letter to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and FBI Director Kash Patel to express concerns over foreign influence campaigns. While acknowledging valid local concerns about data centers, Guthrie also stressed the importance of U.S. leadership in AI to prevent other countries from dominating the technology.
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, has called for federal investigations into the nationwide opposition to artificial intelligence (AI) development and data center construction, suggesting potential connections between these efforts and the government of China. Speaking to the Bowling Green Daily News, Guthrie indicated "reasonable suspicion" based on observed advertisements on platforms like Facebook that appeared to correlate with Chinese spending, prompting the need for a formal inquiry.
Guthrie, alongside Reps. John Joyce, R-Pa., and Bob Latta, R-Ohio, co-signed a letter addressed to the co-chairs of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and FBI Director Kash Patel. The letter expresses serious concerns about "evidence that strongly suggests foreign influence campaigns targeting artificial intelligence" development within the United States, specifically mentioning how China-originating efforts have aimed to impede U.S. growth in AI and its supporting data center infrastructure.
While emphasizing the legitimacy of local community concerns regarding the impact of data centers on taxes, employment, and community integration, Guthrie also highlighted the strategic importance of U.S. leadership in AI development. He referenced a data center project in Hancock County, Kentucky, that is set to repurpose a disused aluminum facility, noting its potential for significant property value addition to tax rolls and efficient use of existing energy capacity. However, he reaffirmed that local elected leaders should retain the authority to decide whether to participate in the data center industry.
Guthrie concluded by reiterating his concerns about China dominating AI technology, stressing the need to protect U.S. data and information, even while respecting local decision-making and addressing community questions about data center projects.