Học viện công nghệ Mỹ chỉ trích lệnh cấm trung tâm dữ liệu địa phương, cảnh báo ảnh hưởng đến cơ sở hạ tầng AI

The Huoxing Finance report states that on August 3, Robert D. Atkinson, Senior Researcher at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) in the United States, published an article criticizing local government policies that restrict data center construction, stating that such bans could harm tax revenues, employment, clean energy investment, and the development of U.S. AI infrastructure. Previously, Montgomery County, Maryland, passed Emergency Ordinance No. 19-26, suspending the issuance of new data center construction permits for 18 months—a measure that also affects projects already in the approval process. The local government stated that this action aims to protect the Potomac River, alleviate pressure from rising residential electricity prices, and buy time for more sustainable development planning. Atkinson argued that a complete halt to data center construction does not effectively address environmental concerns, as many of these impacts can be managed through existing regulatory mechanisms. He noted that new cooling technologies have already reduced water consumption in some data centers, and local governments should instead evaluate individual projects based on their water usage, electricity capacity, and wastewater treatment capabilities rather than imposing a blanket freeze on approvals. He also emphasized that attributing rising electricity prices and energy consumption solely to data centers is inaccurate; data center developers have committed to covering the additional electricity costs to avoid passing them on to residents, while fluctuations in energy prices are more influenced by factors such as fuel costs. Regarding economic impacts, Atkinson warned that the moratorium could lead to lost investment, tax revenue, and job opportunities. For example, Atmosphere Data Centers’ $1.4 billion project in the area is projected to generate approximately $758 million in tax revenue for Montgomery County over the next 15 years—but it has now been delayed. He pointed out that data centers not only create construction and operational jobs but also expand the local tax base, providing funding for education, public safety, and infrastructure. In the context of rapid AI infrastructure development, local restrictions could undermine the United States’ competitive advantage in artificial intelligence.