News-August-06-2026
August 6, 2026 — Representative Ro Khanna announced a proposed “Data Center Bill of Rights” resolution intended to give local communities authority to reject data-center projects and protect residents from utility, water, and pollution burdens associated with AI infrastructure.[1][2]
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edit- Khanna proposes community “Data Center Bill of Rights”
Khanna proposes community “Data Center Bill of Rights”
editKhanna said the resolution would establish rights for local communities to reject proposed data centers through a transparent process and to prohibit facilities within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, or nursing homes.[1][2]
The proposal would preserve states’ ability to pause new data centers until safeguards address electricity-rate increases, local water supplies, and pollution standards.[1][2] It would also preserve municipal authority to regulate data-center development without state preemption, require clean and reliable energy and compliance with pollution limits, and allow communities to demand that utility bills not increase because of the projects.[1]
Khanna said opposition to data centers was the strongest feedback he received during recent travel in Pennsylvania and argued that communities should be able to prevent facilities from being placed in farmland or residential areas.[1][2]