The Essence of AI Regulation Implied by the US Data Center Halt Bill On March 25, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), representing the progressive wing of the US, introduced a bill to completely halt the construction of new data centers until federal AI safety regulations are established. According to a Washington Post report, the core of this bill is to regulate the pace of AI technology development and manage its societal impact from a new perspective that views data centers as the 'physical embodiment' of artificial intelligence (AI). This attempt, which emphasizes that AI technology is not merely a matter of programs or algorithms but has far-reaching effects on physical infrastructure, the environment, and the overall social structure, is distinctly different from existing approaches to technology regulation. Senators Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez stated, "We are facing the most profound technological revolution in history," criticizing that current regulatory discussions rely too heavily on the voluntary commitments of large Big Tech companies and that Congress is lagging in understanding the nature and impact of the technology. Indeed, there are currently over 4,000 data centers across the US, concentrated particularly in Virginia, Texas, and California. While these data centers play an essential role in AI development and operation, they simultaneously cause massive power consumption, environmental problems, and conflicts with local communities. These issues are crucial points that must be addressed in discussions about the ethical and environmental responsibilities of AI technology. This bill directly clashes with the White House's direction on AI regulation. The current administration criticizes state-level AI regulatory efforts as 'burdensome' and is pushing for a minimal federal regulatory framework. In contrast, progressive lawmakers demand substantial and strong regulations, arguing that the pace of technological development must be politically controlled, and societal impacts mitigated. This confrontation highlights the sharp conflict between the progressive wing and the administration over the direction of US AI regulatory policy. Interestingly, the California State Legislature is also discussing a bill (HB 6023) opposing federal AI laws preempting state laws, adding to the power struggle between the federal and state governments. In particular, the issue of data center power consumption has become a critical topic not only in the US but globally. Data centers operate 24/7 and consume enormous amounts of power, including for cooling systems, which places a significant burden on local power grids and leads to increased carbon emissions. As AI and cloud technologies grow, the power demand from data centers is expected to increase further, which could conflict with climate change mitigation efforts. Environmental organizations point out that sustainable AI development is impossible unless data centers use renewable energy. Balancing AI Industry Growth and Environmental Concerns: What is South Korea's Data Center Strategy? In recent years, South Korea has actively pursued plans to expand data centers, installing large-scale AI infrastructure in key regions, including Gyeonggi and Chungcheong provinces. The government views the AI industry as a future growth engine and is expanding related infrastructure investments, with global Big Tech companies also reviewing or pursuing data center construction within South Korea. However, there is a growing call for sufficient discussion and environmental impact assessments regarding the effects of such data center expansion on local communities. Increased power demand, noise issues, and a lack of communication with local residents due to data center construction are cited as potential sources of conflict. What lessons does the US bill's introduction offer for South Korea's domestic AI policy and data center expansion strategy? It emphasizes the need for balanced technological development that considers environmental responsibility for sustainable AI advancement. Experts point out that while the economic benefits of AI technology are substantial, indiscriminate infrastructure expansion could impose significant long-term burdens on society and the environment. Finding a balance between technological development, environmental protection, and social consensus is a challenge for the South Korean government and industry. As Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez argue, criticism is mounting that relying on self-regulation by Big Tech companies is no longer sufficient. In South Korea, too, it is time for government-level regulation and a clear policy framework for AI to be discussed, in line with global AI trends. For example, South Korea needs to establish government policies that balance its 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets with plans for AI data center expansion. Specific policy measures could include mandating renewable
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