Before we begin building massive data centers everywhere with few guidelines and little oversight, or allow the widespread use of Flock cameras and other new technologies to track our every move, we need to hit the pause button to allow time for proper planning, installing safeguards to protect our wallets, our privacy, our environment, and to ensure long-term oversight and accountability.

​

ENSURING TRANSPARANCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY 

​

• I support a responsible moratorium on new data center construction in North Alabama. Communities have a right to know how these large facilities will impact their families, their neighborhoods, and their utility bills. Local residents deserve to have a voice in what is being built in their communities before they are approved and built.

• Congress should form a dedicated, permanent New Emerging Technologies Task Force to advise the public and lawmakers on the advantages and disadvantages of new tech to better understand its effect on communities and to inform sensible regulatory oversight and guidelines.

• Due to the enormous power and water consumption of data centers, the costs must be borne by the company, not the consumer. In addition, utility usage by data centers should not impact the communities’ ability to access utilities or raise their costs.

• Provided that prior to breaking ground, data centers undergo adequate planning and oversight,their construction should be undertaken by union workers to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. This will result in new, good-paying union jobs with benefits and help keep Alabama on the forefront of new, cutting-edge technologies.