Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) expressed concerns on Thursday about President Trump’s initiative to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, specifically highlighting the “large scale” water consumption associated with data centers.
On Wednesday, Trump outlined a technology strategy in his AI Action Plan, which included signing three executive orders aimed at implementing part of the strategy. This involves plans for a high-speed tracking data center, promoting the export of American AI, and excluding AI from federal contracts.
“There are many concerns regarding the AI executive order signed by President Trump yesterday,” Greene stated in a lengthy post on X.
While she referred to one executive order, it seems she’s discussing the wider AI framework related to the president’s signed orders.
The AI Action Plan aims to exempt “data center-related actions” from environmental assessments. It also seeks to expedite approvals for data centers and energy projects through the national permit system, even if these projects might pose risks to water quality.
“There’s a hurried push to expand AI and data centers nationwide without addressing environmental concerns or significant impacts on water supplies,” she stated.
Since AI demands a substantial amount of electricity, the Trump administration is advocating for the growth of data centers and related energy infrastructure. However, these facilities also require water for cooling.
“I’m under construction for the rest of my life,” Greene said, adding, “When you disturb the soil, it invariably affects the nearby areas. High water demand means drawing from others—this impacts individuals, cities, businesses, and surrounding counties and states.”
Republicans in Georgia have raised issues about the push for AI plans that may reduce regulations, particularly at the state level. The administration is pressing states to limit federal funding where AI regulations are seen as overly burdensome and has tasked the Federal Communications Commission with determining if state AI rules obstruct this goal.
“I’m deeply concerned that this executive order pushes for rapid AI growth with few safeguards,” she commented.
She likened the restrictions on federal funding to AI stipulations that were later removed from Trump’s recent legislation.
The removed provision proposed a ten-year ban on AI regulations by cutting federal funds. Greene opposed the AI moratorium, which was eliminated from the bill with a Senate vote of 99-1.
“Competing with China doesn’t mean we should adopt practices like theirs that threaten our rights, create widespread poverty, and potentially wreak havoc on the environment and vital water supplies,” she noted. “This needs a careful and thoughtful approach. The current executive order seems to suggest otherwise.”
