Tags: energy policy

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders announced a bill that would place a moratorium on the construction and upgrade of new and existing data centers used for artificial intelligence until legislation safeguards public health, the environment, and AI safety. The proposal targets facilities above a certain energy load and calls for shared wealth from AI, export restrictions on computing hardware, and protections against higher electricity bills. The move follows growing public opposition, state-level moratoriums, and bipartisan concerns over the rapid expansion of data centers. Industry groups argue the moratorium could harm jobs and tax revenue, while progressive groups see it as a necessary check on AI growth. Ler mais

Former Vice President Al Gore told reporters that China has become the world’s leading force in the energy transition, a development he would not have predicted 25 years ago. He praised China’s rapid expansion of solar capacity and its shift toward measurable emissions reductions, while criticizing the United States for policy reversals that have slowed its climate leadership. Gore also discussed the growing electricity demand from AI data centers, the importance of real‑time emissions tracking through Climate TRACE, and expressed cautious optimism that renewable technologies are accelerating faster than fossil‑fuel resistance. Ler mais

Alberta will impose a 2% levy on computer hardware for data centers that consume at least 75 megawatts, effective December 31, 2026. The charge aims to offset early‑stage costs until facilities become profitable and begin paying corporate taxes. While the province touts its low‑cost natural gas and strong energy supply as a draw for operators, the new levy adds a financial variable that could influence where new projects are built, especially as other North American jurisdictions vie for investment. Ler mais