Snapshot 5:Wed, Dec 17, 2025 12:15:03 PM GMT last edited by Harish Chander

Sanders Calls for Pause on AI Data Centers

Published 1 day ago

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Above: **Watermarked Getty Image. Kindly Replace** The COL4 AI-ready data center is located on a seven-acre campus at the convergence point of long-haul fiber and regional carrier fiber networks on July 24, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. Image credit: Eli Hiller/The Washington Post/Getty Images

The Spin

Pausing AI data centers is a boneheaded move that jacks up energy prices for everyday Americans. Tech giants will shell out big bucks for power no matter what, leaving regular folks stuck with the bill. Government moratoriums just create artificial scarcity and inflate costs, crippling progress instead of solving real problems.

Dave Yost on X

AI data centers guzzle massive electricity and water, slamming communities with soaring bills and environmental ruin. Halting new builds until strict rules protect workers and limit damage ensures tech advances benefit everyone, not just billionaires. This essential pause reins in unchecked greed and safeguards the planet for future generations.

Bernie Sanders US Senator for Vermont

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 23% chance data centres will consume more than 10% of global electricity usage for the year 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.