There's a growing political fight over where AI data centers should be built and who gets to decide. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is now wading into the fray with a clear message: communities should have more say, and the federal government should stop funding certain surveillance tech.
Ro Khanna Wants Congress to Put the Brakes on AI Data Centers and Flock Cameras
MarketDash
The California Democrat is pushing back against the AI infrastructure boom, calling for a ban on data centers in residential areas and an end to federal funding for surveillance cameras.
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Khanna's Push for Local Control
On Wednesday, Khanna took to X to make his position known. "I'm calling on Congress to ban data centers in residential communities and to ban federal funding for Flock cameras," he wrote.
In a video accompanying the post, Khanna warned against the rise of a "surveillance state" in America. He argued that technological innovation shouldn't come at the cost of privacy or natural resources. "Americans are for innovation but not for the extraction of natural resources. Americans are for safety, but not for the abuse of their privacy," he said. "Communities should have the right to say no to a data center being shoved down their throats."
On Flock cameras, which are used by law enforcement to automatically read license plates, Khanna raised concerns about potential misuse. He said Americans should have the right "not to be surveilled by Flock cameras by rogue police officers."
The Broader Data Center Debate
Khanna's comments come at a time when the AI data center boom is facing increasing scrutiny. This week, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized President Donald Trump's support for these facilities, arguing that families shouldn't have to pay higher electricity bills to fuel Big Tech's AI ambitions.
Trump, however, defended the data centers, suggesting that communities rejecting them could remain "backwards and poor," while those embracing them could become "successful and rich" through lower taxes and more jobs. He also warned that opposition could hand an advantage to China, saying Beijing "could not be happier with this anti-Data Center movement."
The debate isn't just political. Last month, Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX), said China was "by far" the strongest competitor in AI, echoing his 2011 warning about China becoming a major rival in rocket technology.
On the other side, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia Corp (NVDA), defended America's AI data center buildout. He argued it could boost U.S. manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen the power grid. Huang also urged data center developers to work with local communities, earn their trust, and create local benefits.
Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur, added another layer to the discussion. He said local communities should hold AI data center operators accountable if they break laws or cause environmental damage. Cuban argued that communities should take strong action when AI infrastructure projects cause documented harm, saying, "The AI companies need the data centers more than they need air. Take advantage of that fact."
So where does this leave things? The tension is clear: AI innovation is racing ahead, but the people who live near these massive facilities are starting to push back. Khanna's call to action is just the latest sign that the debate over data centers is no longer just about technology—it's about who bears the costs and who reaps the benefits.
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