BC Greens Demand Stronger Regulations on AI Data Centres

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BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan calls for increased public involvement in the approval of AI data centres, criticizing NDP policies as insufficient and advocating for a regulatory overhaul.

In a recent statement, Emily Lowan, the leader of the BC Greens, expressed her concerns regarding the NDP's policies on artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, arguing that they fall short of necessary regulations. Lowan emphasized the importance of community engagement, asserting that the public should have a significant role in deciding whether new data centres are constructed in British Columbia. Previously, the Greens had announced their intention to halt the development of new data centres until a stringent regulatory framework is established.
The NDP, led by David Eby, has proposed policies aimed at governing the operations of data centres, which include water-efficiency standards, mandatory reporting of water usage, and community involvement in conservation and drought management strategies. However, Lowan criticized these measures, questioning whether they would grant communities the power to veto the construction of these energy-intensive facilities.
Earlier this month, the Greens reiterated their stance, asserting that they would suspend both the construction and operation of AI data centres until a comprehensive public-interest audit is conducted, followed by the implementation of a regulatory system. The party is advocating for collaboration with the federal government to establish an independent oversight commission dedicated to AI, highlighting a consensus among industry leaders that the pace of technological advancement is accelerating too quickly.
Lowan, who is running as a candidate in the upcoming election on October 24 for Saanich North and the Islands, pointed out that while Eby’s new water regulations would inform communities about the water consumption of data centres post-construction, they do not address whether these communities can reject a data centre proposal outright.
In May, Telus, in partnership with federal AI Minister Evan Solomon, announced plans for a cluster of three AI data centres in British Columbia. Eby, serving as premier at the time, noted that AI companies were actively seeking government support, asserting that federal and provincial funding is vital for their expansion and retention in British Columbia. He expressed optimism regarding the potential benefits of AI technology, acknowledging both its opportunities and inherent risks.
Telus previously indicated that the planned data centres, two in Vancouver and one in Kamloops, are projected to consume 150 megawatts of electricity by the year 2032. This energy requirement is comparable to 12 to 14 percent of the output from the newly constructed Site C dam located in northeast British Columbia.
In response to these developments, the B.C. Conservatives have criticized the NDP's approach, claiming that limiting electricity access could hinder or even prevent the construction of data centres. They argue that the underlying issue is the province's insufficient supply of reliable and affordable power to meet the escalating demand. The Conservative Party's campaign has also proposed the creation of a 'BC Ferries Charter' aimed at setting standards for reliability, performance, capacity, affordability, and customer service. Additionally, they have pledged to leverage the private sector to ensure high-speed Wi-Fi is available along major routes and at terminals.

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