Congress Divided Over Data Center Development Amid Local Concerns

<p>Democratic lawmakers are advocating for stricter regulations on data centers, while Republicans argue that these facilities could enhance the economy and maintain the U.S. competitive edge in artificial intelligence (AI).</p><p>President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for data centers this week, dismissing calls to slow their development after previously stating that communities opposing such facilities would "end up being backwards and poor."</p><p>Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., expressed concerns last month that Arizona should pause the expansion of data centers until the state can fully evaluate their long-term impacts.</p><p>"We in Arizona need to pause the expansion of data centers in the state until we really figure out a plan on how we're going to preserve our water, how we are going to make sure that ratepayers aren't taking on the responsibility," Ansari stated.</p><p>Ansari characterized Trump's support for data centers as "out of touch," suggesting it contradicts the preferences of the "vast majority" of Americans.</p><p>"If Donald Trump is such a big fan of data centers, then he should welcome them in his own backyard," she added.</p><p>Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., referenced his proposed Data Center Bill of Rights, which aims to prohibit data centers from being located within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, child care facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes, while granting communities more authority over their placement.</p><p>Khanna rejected Trump's assertion that communities opposing data centers would fall behind economically.</p><p>"Trump has failed to deliver for the forgotten American, so he's just grasping at straws," he remarked.</p><p>Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize fairness for local communities.</p><p>"The wealth has gone into the tech sector, and they are unregulated, unbridled and not very philanthropic," Jackson stated.</p><p>Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., argued that higher electricity bills should not be the burden of communities as data centers expand.</p><p>"It baffles me that we are just not guaranteeing, for average ratepayers, low utility bills," she said. "These data centers could play a role in that."</p><p>Republican lawmakers exhibited differing views on data centers, with some supporting their economic potential while others emphasized the importance of local control.</p><p>Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., endorsed AI investment to compete with China but opposed locating data centers in residential areas.</p><p>"We've got to stay ahead of China with AI, and data centers are a part of that," Mace stated. "But you don't put them in somebody's backyard and that's the whole point."</p><p>Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., praised data centers for their potential to generate tax revenue, enhance local infrastructure, and support energy production.</p><p>"You should be fighting over them," McCormick said. "But, I mean, if you don't want one, that's up to you. I think you're missing out."</p><p>Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., advocated for decisions regarding data centers to be made by states and local communities.</p><p>"I believe in 10th Amendment rights, state rights," Norman said. "Let each community take ownership, and they'll make the right decisions."</p><p>The ongoing debate highlights increasing divisions over the appropriate placement of data centers in local communities as several states express concerns regarding electricity costs, water use, and development.</p>