CALLING FOR REAL PROTECTIONS FROM DATA CENTERS

On 2026-09-16, Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) delivered a floor speech titled "CALLING FOR REAL PROTECTIONS FROM DATA CENTERS" in the House.

CALLING FOR REAL PROTECTIONS FROM DATA CENTERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H5962] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CALLING FOR REAL PROTECTIONS FROM DATA CENTERS (Ms. TLAIB asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, the so-called Ratepayer Protection Act won't do a darn thing to protect us from AI data centers. It will only serve utility CEOs and encourage more data centers. People across the country, no matter the political party, have been coming together, loud and clear, in saying that data centers are not welcome in our communities. AI data centers are polluting our air and water and raising energy costs by as much as 267 percent. We just saw a report that PFAS forever chemical manufacturers are increasing production to meet the demand for use in data centers. The House's response is to require utility regulators to only consider new rules to prevent utility rate hikes? Say what? Now is not the time for half-measures. Over 200 environmental justice groups said no to this bill. They actually call it the ratepayer deception act. Congress has to face Big Tech bros threatening our way of life head- on. Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to pass a national moratorium on data centers and pass my No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act before Trump turns Yellowstone over to OpenAI and Oracle. ____________________