More Than 15 Candidates Sign AI Pact to Curb Data Centers and Mandate Model Reviews
Updated
Updated · WIRED · Aug 26
More Than 15 Candidates Sign AI Pact to Curb Data Centers and Mandate Model Reviews
3 articles · Updated · WIRED · Aug 26
Summary
More than 15 candidates in races across the US have signed the AI Pact, a five-point pledge backing tighter rules on data centers and AI, including mandatory model safety reviews and legal liability for harms.
The push responds to rising voter anger over data centers’ environmental impact, opaque siting deals and power use, while linking those concerns to fears that AI could disrupt jobs and public services.
The pact stops short of a blanket moratorium, instead calling for bans on tax breaks, backroom deals and excessive energy use for data centers—a floor meant to attract labor-friendly and swing-seat candidates.
Dan Osborn, a Nebraska independent Senate candidate and the pact’s lone non-Democrat signer so far, said data centers can bring jobs but argued Congress may need to 'call a time out' to get regulation right.
The pledge lands as both parties harden their rhetoric on the issue: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has imposed a temporary moratorium, while figures from Bernie Sanders to Ken Paxton have increasingly tied data-center policy to AI safeguards.