Energy/Utilities

New York's legislature is addressing the complexities and risks associated with artificial intelligence through two proposed bills aimed at regulating AI-generated content and data center operations. The New York Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Requirements in News Act (NY FAIR News Act) mandates that any news significantly created by AI must bear a disclaimer, ensuring transparency about its origins. Additionally, the bill requires human oversight for AI-generated content and mandates that media organizations inform their newsroom employees about AI utilization and safeguard confidential information. The second bill, S9144, proposes a three-year moratorium on permits for new data centers, citing concerns over rising energy demands and costs exacerbated by the rapid expansion of AI technologies. This reflects a growing bipartisan recognition of the negative impacts of AI, particularly the strain on resources and the potential erosion of journalistic integrity. The bills aim to promote accountability and sustainability in the face of AI's rapid integration into society, highlighting the need for responsible regulation to mitigate its adverse effects on communities and industries.

Varaha, an Indian climate tech startup, has secured $20 million in funding to enhance its carbon removal projects across Asia and Africa. The company aims to be a cost-effective supplier of verified emissions reductions, capitalizing on lower operational costs and a robust agricultural supply chain in India. Varaha focuses on regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering to produce carbon credits, which are increasingly in demand from corporations like Google and Microsoft that face rising energy usage from data centers and AI workloads. The startup's strategy emphasizes execution over proprietary technology, enabling it to meet international verification standards while keeping costs low. Varaha has already removed over 2 million tons of CO2 and plans to expand its operations in South and Southeast Asia, collaborating with thousands of farmers and industrial partners to scale its carbon removal efforts. This funding marks a significant step in Varaha's growth as it addresses global climate challenges by providing sustainable solutions for carbon offsetting.