Rep. Ro Khanna Proposes 'Data Center Bill of Rights' to Empower Local Communities
Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democratic representative from California, has proposed a "Data Center Bill of Rights" to regulate the construction of data centers and give local communities more control over their placement. Khanna emphasized the importance of ensuring that communities have a say in where data centers are built during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."
The resolution introduced by Khanna outlines guidelines for data center construction, addressing concerns about their impact on local communities and energy consumption. Khanna stressed the need for regulation to prevent data centers from being located in residential areas or farmland without community input.
Khanna's proposed bill would empower communities to prohibit data centers in residential zones, prevent electricity price hikes, and mandate the use of clean energy by data centers. The proliferation of data centers to support artificial intelligence has sparked debates in local communities, with many expressing opposition to their construction.
As data centers have become a contentious electoral issue, candidates have had to navigate public sentiment on their development. A recent Gallup survey revealed that a majority of Americans are against the construction of AI data centers in their local areas. Khanna, known for his progressive stance, has not ruled out a potential presidential run in 2028.
When asked about his potential candidacy compared to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Khanna praised her as a "phenomenal talent" and acknowledged her as a fellow progressive leader. Ocasio-Cortez has also been mentioned as a potential contender for the presidency in the future. The debate over data center regulation and community involvement continues to be a significant issue in the political landscape.