ICYMI: At American AI Festival, Kelly Previews New Legislation to Bring Communities in as AI Infrastructure Expands

"If America is going to lead in AI, we've got to invest in the people, workers, and systems that make that leadership possible."

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly spoke at Seed AI's American AI Festival to give a preview of the legislation he's working on to make sure communities have a seat at the table as AI infrastructure projects expand across the country.

Building on his AI for America roadmap released last year, Kelly explained his bill will bring developers and communities together early on, ensuring hard-working Americans reap the benefits of a modern, AI-driven economy.

On the stakes of getting AI right…

"AI has real promise-more productivity, better healthcare, faster scientific discovery. But we've got to be honest about something: if we don't get this right, people across this country are going to be the ones who end up paying the price and who will be left behind."

On his AI for America roadmap and investing in workers and infrastructure…

"That's why I put out my AI for America roadmap. It's focused on closing the gaps-workforce and infrastructure-and making sure innovation strengthens the families and small businesses that power our economy, instead of putting more strain on them. Because if America is going to lead in AI, we've got to invest in the people, workers, and systems that make that leadership possible."

On the need to work with communities-not around them-to build faster…

"Communities across the country have been left out of the AI boom. Giant companies are proposing planning and building large infrastructure projects without local input. Decisions get made. Plans get drawn up. And then communities are told what's coming with no real answers about how it's going to impact their utility bills or quality of life. That's just wrong. And it's not going to work. If you want to build faster, you've got to talk to the local community and work with them on what the project will mean for their jobs, their town, and their cost of living. You have to make it clear they're better off with the project than without it."

On his proposal to bring developers and communities together early in the process…

"Building on the ideas from my AI for America roadmap, I've been working on a new bill to do exactly that. It's pretty simple: bring developers and communities together at the beginning to work through the details-what a project means for energy, water, infrastructure, and jobs-and put real commitments on the table. The people building the data centers commit to delivering real, long-term benefits for communities like local hiring, paying for infrastructure, and keeping utility rates low. My framework includes public input, clear timelines, and enforceable agreements-so communities and workers have a real say in how these projects take shape, and developers have the certainty they need to move forward. Clear expectations. Tangible community benefits. Real accountability. No surprises."