As the Trump administration promotes artificial intelligence and what President Trump calls “superintelligence,” Democratic politicians are responding to growing public concern over the rapid expansion of data centers. Critics have focused on the facilities’ heavy use of water and electricity, along with noise, land use and disruption for nearby communities.
A Gallup poll released in May found that 71% of Americans opposed building data centers in their communities. By comparison, 53% opposed building nuclear power plants in their communities.
Democrats target data center expansion
James Talarico, who won a Senate race in the once-solidly Republican state of Texas, was among the politicians addressing the skepticism surrounding artificial intelligence and its infrastructure.
“While we want to protect America’s leadership in artificial intelligence, we are still grappling with how artificial intelligence will impact everything from the way we work to the way our children learn,” he said.
“We must protect Americans and establish clear and consistent laws for businesses.”
Democrats control majorities in the House and Senate and are expected to take a more aggressive approach to challenging the president’s technology policies. They could introduce legislation aimed at curbing the industry’s expansion.
Texas becomes a key battleground
Texas’ Democratic governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, campaigned against data centers and pledged to pause construction of new facilities.
Hinojosa’s victory could put her at odds with technology billionaire Elon Musk, who has moved much of his SpaceX and Tesla operations to Texas over the years. The state remains a Republican stronghold.
Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, spent nearly $450 million supporting Republican campaigns in the midterm elections.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk