Rep. Ro Khanna Introduces 'Data Center Bill of Rights' to Protect Local Grids and Power Rates from AI Surge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced a landmark congressional resolution entitled the "Data Center Bill of Rights," establishing a comprehensive federal framework to safeguard residential communities, municipal water supplies, and electrical grid stability amidst the rapid expansion of generative AI infrastructure.

Federal Standards and Local Zoning Protections

The resolution addresses the rapid buildout of more than 4,400 commercial data centers operating nationwide, establishing national baseline protections for municipalities facing proposed hyperscale developments:

• Mandatory Buffer Distances: Establishes a federal guideline prohibiting data center construction in residential zones and within 2,500 feet of residential homes, public and private schools, licensed childcare facilities, hospitals, and senior care homes.
• Ratepayer Cost Insulation: Requires federal and state utility regulators to prevent hyperscale data centers from shifting transmission grid upgrades, substation construction, and high-voltage interconnect fees onto ordinary residential utility ratepayers.
• Resource and Environmental Transparency: Mandates comprehensive reporting on projected daily water usage for evaporative cooling systems, as well as strict emission and acoustic standards for backup diesel generators and on-site gas turbines.
• Local Preemption Protection: Explicitly affirms the authority of municipal zoning boards, county commissions, and local town councils to review, condition, or reject data center proposals without state-level legislative preemption.

"Artificial intelligence offers immense potential, but the physical reality of powering AI cannot come at the expense of working families' utility bills, drinking water, or neighborhood tranquility," Congressman Khanna stated upon filing the measure. "Communities deserve a seat at the table, clear environmental transparency, and ironclad guarantees that tech conglomerates pay for their own power infrastructure."

Regional Grid Stress and Community Backlash

The legislative push follows high-profile public hearings across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia, where rural and suburban residents have voiced alarm over skyrocketing local electricity rates and deafening cooling fans adjacent to residential subdivisions. During a recent fact-finding mission to Pennsylvania, Khanna urged local authorities to pause new permitting approvals pending comprehensive grid capacity audits.

Industry analysts estimate that hyperscale AI facilities could consume up to 9% of total U.S. electricity generation by 2030, putting acute pressure on regional transmission organizations such as PJM Interconnection and ERCOT.

Congressional Path and Stakeholder Reaction

The resolution has gathered initial support from members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and lawmakers representing districts with high concentrations of data infrastructure. While technology industry trade groups argue that stringent federal zoning mandates could slow domestic AI innovation, environmental organizations and consumer utility advocates have endorsed the resolution as an essential step toward responsible computational growth.