The [New Ulm] Journal reports…

Democratic nominee for Minnesota’s first congressional district, Jake Johnson, visited New Ulm for a town hall meeting on Monday.

He was asked about data centers…

Johnson fielded multiple questions about artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the uses of the technology and the data centers needed to sustain it.

Johnson said he believed there is a way for AI technology to be helpful for moving society forward, but the reality is there is justifiable fear of what AI could do if misused.

“We need a Congress that recognize to make sure the benefits of AI are economic benefits to southern Minnesota while protecting against the potential harm,” he said. “We also have to make sure the gains are not just realized by tech billionaires.”

Johnson said the question of AI data centers and their impact on natural resources had come up at each of his town halls.

He supports a moratorium on data centers in the country until four metrics are achieved. First, eliminating non-disclosure agreements for elected officials. He said there needed to be an open public conversation about data centers. Second, assurances of protection for natural resources and increased electrical costs are not pushed on to local citizens. Third, if the data centers are built it, it needs to be done by local union workers. Fourth, any profits gained from the data center must stay in the state.

“Anything short of those four metrics being achieved represents an extraction and exploitation of our way of life,” he said.