15 Politicians Sign 'AI Pact' to Rein In Data Centers

A group of politicians running for office across the US have signed a pledge called the AI Pact. It's a list of five promises aimed at tackling two things voters are increasingly worried about: the explosion of data centers (huge buildings full of computers that power AI) and the risks of AI itself. The pact includes ideas like mandatory safety reviews for AI, an 'AI dividend' for workers, and letting people sue if AI harms them.

This isn't just a left-wing thing. An independent candidate in Nebraska, Dan Osborn, said he found common ground with a 'hardcore MAGA' voter when they talked about data centers. Several governors from both parties, including Pennsylvania's Democrat Josh Shapiro and Texas's Republican Greg Abbott, have recently moved to regulate data centers. Even Abbott, who once welcomed them, has now ordered a temporary pause on new ones.

The pact avoids calling for a full ban on data centers. Instead, it wants to end tax breaks and backroom deals for them. Organizers say that's intentional—they want a 'floor' that even labor-friendly candidates can support. Data centers do create construction jobs, but they also eat up enormous amounts of electricity and can drive up prices for everyone.

For regular people, this matters because data centers are showing up in your community, affecting your power bill and land values. AI could also disrupt jobs with little warning. This pledge is a sign that politicians from both parties are finally treating these issues as something they need to act on—not just leave to tech companies.