Massachusetts Democratic Senator Ed Markey has unveiled a comprehensive package of bills aimed at curbing the harmful effects of artificial intelligence, including a new proposal requiring federal certification for datacenters. Markey described the effort as an 'AI accountability agenda' focused on 'taking power back from big tech.'
Datacenter certification bill targets pollution and energy costs
Markey's latest bill would mandate that companies owning or proposing datacenters obtain certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) affirming that the facilities 'will not harm the public interest' before construction begins. The FCC would evaluate potential effects on air and water quality, noise levels, energy costs, electricity system reliability, local ecosystems, wildlife, the local economy, and jobs, consulting with agencies like the EPA and zoning boards.
'We need to make sure these datacenters don't turn into pollution bombs,' Markey said. He stressed that a piecemeal approach 'would leave too many people exposed' and that federal action is urgent, though little movement has occurred since ChatGPT's release in 2022.
Other AI bills address hiring bias, child safety, and worker rights
Markey's broader agenda includes legislation to ban employers from primarily relying on automated systems for hiring, firing, and promotion decisions; require stronger safeguards for AI chatbots to prevent children from becoming emotionally dependent; and mandate independent audits for bias and discrimination before releasing algorithms that make important decisions.
Additional proposals would create civil rights offices in federal agencies overseeing AI, require human override options in healthcare AI, protect workers who disagree with AI recommendations, and standardize reporting of datacenter energy and environmental effects.
Personal stories highlight the need for regulation
Markey highlighted specific cases, including a grieving parent whose 14-year-old son died by suicide after being groomed by a chatbot, a Georgia resident unable to drink tap water after datacenter construction, a woman denied housing by a discriminatory algorithm, and a nurse distressed by overriding her own judgment for an AI model.
Progress and challenges in Congress
Despite congressional inertia, Markey remains optimistic about bipartisan support. One of his child safety proposals, the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act, passed the Senate in March, banning targeted ads to minors and limiting data collection. Another bill restricts workplace surveillance, and a separate proposal bans productivity quotas that lead to injuries.
Markey's commitment to labor rights is personal: his father worked in a factory before OSHA was created and suffered a crushed finger on the job. 'My father had another finger, which he used to describe his attitude towards the boss and that company,' Markey recalled at a 2024 rally, reflecting how many workers feel today.
