# Ro Khanna advocates for community rights against data centers The congressman proposed legislation to protect local communities' right to reject data center projects. - **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f46a32a3-73bf-4560-96a5-831f2898ad76 ## Local decision-making rights California Representative Ro Khanna introduced a resolution to the U.S. House of Representatives to preserve local communities' right to reject data center projects. The 'Data Center Bill of Rights' proposal supports state-level efforts to block such projects, following initiatives like New York's one-year data center moratorium. The measure aims to empower communities in development decisions. ## Community approval process The resolution proposes that communities should be able to reject data center projects through a 'transparent process.' It offers the option to ban data centers in residential areas and within 2,500 feet of homes, schools, or hospitals. Additionally, it includes rights to demand transparency from providers and block changes to electricity rates caused by data center operations. ## Clean energy requirement The proposed legislation mandates that data centers use clean energy. This provision addresses harmful emissions from generators and turbines powering these facilities. It considers projections that AI data centers could consume up to 32 billion gallons of water annually by 2028, highlighting environmental concerns in the industry's rapid expansion. ## Environmental impact concerns The environmental and financial impacts of rapid data center construction have sparked nationwide protests and regulatory calls. Critics point to federal exemptions that remove data centers from environmental laws and prevent state-level regulations. Khanna's proposal offers an alternative approach that prioritizes local community rights over industry interests. ## State-federal conflict Currently, federal policies exempt data centers from environmental regulations, limiting states' ability to impose restrictions. Khanna's resolution seeks to strengthen local decision-making authority, contrasting with California's housing laws that combat 'NIMBY' opposition to high-density development. This represents a shift toward decentralized governance in infrastructure planning. ## Alternative to national moratorium The bill provides a mechanism to protect opposition rights in the absence of a nationwide data center moratorium. Khanna's approach champions local communities' ability to shape their own futures, countering centralized policies that favor industrial growth. This model could influence how communities engage with other large-scale technology projects. ## Industry resistance expected The technology and data center industry is anticipated to oppose such regulations. Industry advocates argue data centers are crucial for economic growth and technological advancement. However, environmental groups and local communities demand a balance between industrial development and sustainable practices, creating tension in policy discussions. ## Emphasis on democratic participation Khanna's proposal aims to increase democratic participation in data center project approvals. Incorporating local communities into decision-making aligns with environmental justice and sustainable development principles. This approach underscores the importance of public consensus in major technology projects and could set precedents for other industries. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2232120/ro-khanna-calls-for-the-right-to-oppose-data-centers-to-be-protected/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._