CBC Leaders Push AI Regulation Amid Data Center Buildout

According to CNBC, the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington focused heavily on artificial intelligence regulation and the risks posed by the technology, with CBC Vice Chair Rep. Troy Carter saying at least 60 of the caucus's 62 members would vote for an AI regulation bill that would create guardrails and human-safety guidelines. Carter said competition with China should not drive legislation, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has asked the House to stay in session to work on AI safeguards and House Speaker Mike Johnson has said members should return to their districts. Meta President and Vice Chair Dina Powell McCormick highlighted the economic benefits of data centers and the AI buildout they support, as Meta develops the Hyperion data center project in Louisiana and rivals Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft expand their own data center footprints. Rep. Steven Horsford, who leads the CBC's technology committee, said AI is an economic revolution and that Black Americans should not be left behind, while Exelon CEO Calvin Butler said he is in ongoing talks with lawmakers about the impact of AI infrastructure on energy prices and residents' quality of life.