The Greens have called for a temporary ban on new data centres as part of a push for stricter controls on the resources used by artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Zack Polanski wants tighter rules governing the amount of water and energy consumed by data centres used for AI. The proposal focuses on the environmental demands associated with new digital infrastructure, particularly where facilities are designed to support artificial intelligence systems.
The call is for a pause on new data centres while tougher limits are considered. The source material does not set out how long the proposed ban would last, what form the restrictions would take, or which authorities would be expected to enforce them.
Data centres are the physical sites used to house computing systems and associated equipment. In this case, the Greens’ concern is specifically linked to the water and energy required by facilities serving AI demand.
No further details were provided in the supplied material about responses from government, industry, local authorities or other political parties. There was also no stated timetable for the proposal or indication of whether it has been put forward as part of a wider policy package.
The latest known position is that the Greens are calling for a temporary halt on new data centres and for stronger rules aimed at limiting water and energy use by AI-related facilities.