Lawmakers propose bill to pause data center construction

Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have introduced a bill aimed at pausing new data center construction, citing concerns over the industry's significant electricity and water consumption. This legislative effort follows widespread public opposition, with protests having blocked or stalled at least 48 projects last year, and one incident involving an individual firing bullets at an Indiana politician's home due to their support for data centers. The commentary, authored by John Stossel, acknowledges the high resource demands of data centers, especially with the rise of AI, but argues that fears about rising electricity prices are often unfounded, as supported by research from the Institute for Energy Research and analysis by Paige Lambermont of the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Lambermont contends that potential price increases are more attributable to "short-sighted politicians" who limit the use of efficient fuels like natural gas and nuclear power. The article criticizes government monopolies in power production for hindering innovation and efficiency, citing Microsoft's struggle to use power from the reopened Three Mile Island nuclear reactor due to utility-related government rules. Stossel highlights that companies like Elon Musk have resorted to building their own off-grid power plants, such as gas turbines for a supercomputer in Tennessee, to bypass these "burdensome rules." The piece concludes by advocating for government to reduce its interference to foster technological advancements and productivity in resource-intensive sectors.