Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for the US Senate in Nebraska, reported an interaction with a supporter during a town hall meeting regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. Osborn is among over 15 politicians who have signed the AI Pact, which outlines five commitments related to the regulation of data centers and AI. This initiative arises amid growing concerns about the environmental impacts of data centers and the corporate influence behind their development. The AI Pact aims to establish a foundational framework for a future that prioritizes human welfare.
The pact is associated with the Political Integrity Project, which advocates against money in politics. Daniel Lobo-Lewis, a co-founder, noted that the five commitments were developed through collaboration with AI safety organizations and political entities focused on AI legislation. The AI Pact's funding comes from a progressive political action committee, with no direct financial support from AI safety groups or tech companies.
Currently, all signatories except Osborn are Democrats, although Lobo-Lewis stated that Republican candidates are also welcome to join. Some signers, such as Representative Justin Pearson from Tennessee, have campaigned against pollution from data centers, while others, like Will Lawrence from Michigan, have gained traction in districts opposed to data center projects.
The AI Pact does not explicitly call for a moratorium on data centers but advocates for policies that would eliminate tax breaks and excessive energy consumption associated with them. Lobo-Lewis emphasized that this language is intentionally moderate to accommodate candidates with labor ties, as several labor unions have reaffirmed their support for data center construction.
Osborn expressed that while data centers can provide infrastructure and jobs, there is a need for Congressional regulation to address concerns from rural communities about land development. He mentioned that a temporary pause on data center construction could be beneficial.
Recent actions by governors, including Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and Texas's Greg Abbott, indicate a shift towards regulating data center development. Abbott has initiated a temporary moratorium on new data centers in Texas, citing concerns from voters.
The promises within the AI Pact reflect political positions that have gained traction across party lines. The White House is reportedly working on a voluntary safety review for AI models, while former President Trump has discussed the concept of a worker dividend for AI profits. Lobo-Lewis criticized the White House's initiatives as insufficient, arguing that stronger protections are necessary.
The AI Pact emerges amid ongoing debates about the relationship between public concerns over data centers and AI. Senator Bernie Sanders has linked AI safety measures to data centers, proposing a national moratorium until legislation is enacted to protect the public from AI-related risks. Despite this, some polls indicate that environmental concerns regarding data centers remain more prominent among the public than worries about AI.
Osborn remarked on the disconnect between voters' concerns about data centers and the perception of these issues in Washington, DC, suggesting that officials underestimate public awareness.