Congress’s Permitting Bill Is a ‘Massive Giveaway’ to the AI Data Center Industry, Critics Warn
A bipartisan bill has come under fire from environmentalists who argue that it will facilitate gas-powered data center construction.
Critics are warning that Congress's new permitting bill is a "massive giveaway" to the rapidly growing artificial intelligence data center industry. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) aims to streamline the construction of new energy infrastructure, including data centers, by easing environmental regulations and transmission reforms.
However, environmental groups argue the bill would accelerate the construction of gas-powered data centers on public lands, potentially bypassing clean energy sources like wind and solar. Critics claim the bill contradicts voter sentiments, as recent midterms saw a strong opposition to data centers.
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