Bernie Sanders Calls for a Halt to AI Data Center Construction

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont reiterated his stance on Sunday, urging a stop to the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. He proposed that billionaires adopt certain progressive policies.

A report from December mentioned that nearly 3,000 AI data centers are either under construction or planned, which will add to the roughly 4,000 already operating. Sanders specifically suggested that tech leaders like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos should consider providing free housing and healthcare.

“They’re raking in huge profits. That’s something we really need to address. Right now, we’re seeing these data centers cropping up across the nation, and they’re driving up electricity costs for local communities,” Sanders told Jake Tapper during an appearance on “State of the Union.” He emphasized the need to reconsider this rapid development, saying, “We should really think about putting the brakes on these centers.”

Sanders continued, “It’s not sufficient for those at the top to tell us, ‘This is how things are; you just have to deal with it.’ What assurances are they offering? Are they promising universal healthcare? What’s their plan for those who might lose their jobs? Will housing be free? We need to reflect on this and consider slowing down this trend, perhaps with a moratorium on data centers.”

Meanwhile, China is reportedly building five substantial data centers in Shanghai, aiming to enhance its computing capabilities significantly. Moreover, they are constructing an AI facility in Xinjiang using a large number of high-end NVIDIA chips, in a region already under scrutiny for human rights issues.

In the tech sector, Google recently acquired the energy firm Intersect for $4.75 billion, along with a merger involving Trump Media and Technology Group in a $6 billion deal. This move underscores how companies focused on AI are increasingly seeking reliable energy sources.