Fengqi You

Roxanne E. and Michael J. Zak Professor in Energy Systems Engineering

Fengqi You, professor of energy systems engineering, looks at the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable energy systems. He recently co-authored analysis of the AI data center environmental impact state-by-state.

You says: 

"Concerns about the rapid expansion of AI data centers are legitimate, especially around energy demand, water use, local environmental impacts and who bears the costs. At the same time, a blanket pause on new data centers is a very broad policy tool. In my view, the better path is to put strong safeguards in place quickly, including requirements on siting, grid impacts, clean energy procurement, water stewardship, transparency, and protections for communities, so that innovation can continue without shifting environmental and economic burdens onto the public."

Frank Pasquale

Professor of Law

Frank Pasquale, professor at Cornell Tech and Cornell Law, is an expert on the law of artificial intelligence, algorithms, and machine learning.

Pasquale says: 

“The context for this bill is important. Rapid data center expansion is causing both direct and indirect harm to many communities. Meanwhile, top federal officials have repeatedly criticized even minimal national AI regulation, while attempting to undermine states' nascent efforts to shape the development and use of the technology. It's unsurprising to see this moratorium proposal, as it presents a point of leverage for slowing or stopping the most harmful forms and effects of AI. At a minimum, we might expect to see requirements for investment in green energy to offset the power demand caused by proliferating data centers.”