All articles tagged with #moratorium
U.S. lawmakers Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled bills to impose an immediate federal moratorium on AI data-center construction until comprehensive safeguards protect health, privacy, workers’ rights, and the environment, with Sanders leading the Senate effort and Ocasio-Cortez preparing a House counterpart to slow AI development and push for nationwide regulation.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled a bill to ban new AI datacenter construction until comprehensive federal safeguards are in place, citing climate, energy costs, privacy and worker impacts; the proposal would also bar the export of AI hardware to countries without protections, with a House companion bill to follow. The move follows growing public concern and local moratoria, though passage in a polarized Congress remains uncertain.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act to pause new or expanded AI data centers while evaluating energy use, environmental impact and local effects, a proposal underscored by images of facilities like Google's Georgia data center.
A growing bloc of progressives on Capitol Hill is backing a nationwide moratorium on new data centers to slow energy and water use, with Sen. Bernie Sanders leading and Rep. Pramila Jayapal rallying behind it; supporters say a pause would let regulators catch up as the White House pushes AI growth, while Democrats across the spectrum warn it could hurt competitiveness, with local and state moves (New York, Denver) and mixed public opinion shaping the debate.
The US Senate voted 99-1 to remove a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulations from a broader domestic policy bill, signaling support for ongoing AI oversight and accountability efforts amid concerns over a federal regulatory gap.
Senate Republicans are considering modifications to a proposed AI law moratorium after the Senate parliamentarian requested clarifications, particularly regarding its impact on broadband funding, amid divisions within the GOP and support from the tech industry.
Several House Republicans have declared a red line on a megabill concerning land sales, amid ongoing debates over a 10-year moratorium on enforcing state AI laws linked to a large broadband funding package. The Senate parliamentarian has requested revisions to clarify the scope of the moratorium, which has caused division among Republicans and concerns from state officials and industry groups. The bill's language and its implications for AI regulation and broadband funding are under intense scrutiny and debate.
The Senate parliamentarian has requested revisions to a bill's language concerning a 10-year moratorium on enforcing state AI laws, specifically to clarify its impact on $42 billion in broadband funding, amid political debates and differing opinions among Republicans, Democrats, and industry groups.
The Senate is considering a bill that includes a 10-year moratorium on enforcing state AI laws, with debates over its scope and impact on broadband funding, amid mixed support from politicians and industry groups.
Scientific advisers to the European Commission have recommended a moratorium on solar geoengineering efforts across the EU, citing insufficient evidence and potential risks. These technologies, which aim to cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight, have faced criticism despite their potential to combat climate change. The European Commission's advisory groups have expressed concerns over the high levels of uncertainty and possible harmful effects, advocating against large-scale experimentation and deployment.
A coalition of 22 Republican state attorneys general has sent a letter to President Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, warning that the recent moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects is unlawful and demanding its reversal. They argue that the policy harms national security and the economy, and violates federal statutes. The attorneys general also criticize the lack of public comment period and claim that the moratorium emboldens adversaries like Russia. They emphasize the potential economic and national security benefits of LNG exports and urge the administration to reconsider its decision.
West Chester Township in Ohio has implemented a 360-day moratorium on the sale and cultivation of marijuana, despite the recent legalization of cannabis in the state. The township's Board of Trustees wants to take the time to determine how marijuana can be safely sold, who would be selling it, and whether background checks should be required. They also want to consider the proximity of dispensaries to schools and prevent an influx of vape shops. The moratorium will be reevaluated after 360 days, with the possibility of an additional 180-day extension.
The Kremlin has stated that Russia has not abandoned its moratorium on nuclear testing, dismissing a suggestion by the editor of a state television channel to detonate a thermonuclear device in Siberia as a warning to the West. President Putin has repeatedly warned that any attack on Russia could provoke a nuclear response. The last nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union, the United States, France, and China took place in the 1990s. The New York Times recently reported that satellite imagery and aviation data suggest Russia may be preparing to test an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Canada has joined the growing list of countries calling for a halt to deep-sea mining in international waters due to concerns about potential ecological devastation. The Canadian government supports a moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining until there is a comprehensive understanding of its environmental impacts and a robust regulatory regime in place. This aligns Canada with European nations, scientists, environmental organizations, and car manufacturers who have pledged not to use deep-sea minerals. The International Seabed Authority, responsible for regulating mining in international waters, is meeting this week to discuss the issue. Experts have raised concerns about sediment plumes, pollution, and the potential harm to marine ecosystems.
The Kremlin has dismissed the idea that Russia is preparing to carry out a nuclear weapons test, stating that all nuclear states are abiding by a moratorium on testing. This comes after the US ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, claimed that Russia was the only country talking about the possible resumption of nuclear testing. President Putin had previously warned that Russia would act in kind if the US conducted tests, but the Kremlin has stated that everyone is currently sticking to the moratorium.