A newly introduced bill in the United States Congress aims to provide communities with more transparency and a stronger voice in decisions about AI data center development. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver has proposed the AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026, which would require developers to disclose plans for AI data centers well in advance and ensure affected communities have an opportunity to provide input.
AI data centers, which are critical in supporting artificial intelligence technologies, often bring unintended consequences to the regions they occupy. These include increased utility costs, infrastructure strain, and environmental risks.
"When communities are denied information, they are denied a voice", said McIver. "Your energy bills shouldn’t skyrocket because a developer snuck an AI data center into your neighborhood without giving you the opportunity to speak out. No corporation should be able to change the fabric of a community and leave its residents to absorb the costs. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to demand transparency so residents have a real say in what’s happening in their community."
The bill comes in response to incidents like a $1.8 billion AI data center project in Kenilworth, New Jersey, where residents said they were left in the dark about the development. Despite living just 200 yards from the site, some residents only learned about the project through social media.
The lack of early information has fueled concerns about water quality, flood risk, and rising electricity costs. Over 1,500 residents have signed a petition opposing the project. McIver’s office emphasized that keeping communities uninformed erodes trust and places the burden of consequences on those who are least empowered to respond.
The AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026 outlines several measures to ensure transparency and accountability. Among its proposed requirements, the bill would:
The bill has garnered notable endorsements from organizations including the League of Conservation Voters, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Public Citizen, and the National Consumer Law Center. Co-leads of the legislation, Rep. Valerie Foushee of North Carolina and Rep. Andre Carson of Indiana, have also voiced their support.
"Our communities, especially Black and Brown communities, are feeling the impacts of rapid AI data center growth, from environmental harm and water stress to rising electricity costs", said Foushee. "These facilities can consume as much energy as entire cities and place significant strain on local resources, yet too often communities are left out of decisions that directly affect their health, environment and economic stability."
McIver, who represents parts of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties in New Jersey, emphasized the importance of empowering residents with knowledge and participation before corporate decisions impact their daily lives. If passed, this legislation could establish a framework for balancing technological advancement with community rights and environmental stewardship.
