AG Letitia James Leads Coalition Against Federal AI Regulation Limits

UPDATE: New York Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading an urgent campaign against proposed federal limitations on state-level artificial intelligence regulations. On July 25, 2023, James rallied a bipartisan coalition of 36 attorneys general to demand that Congress reject language in the National Defense Authorization Act that would undermine state laws governing AI.

This move comes as congressional leaders contemplate adding measures that would preempt state regulations, alongside former President Donald Trump’s consideration of an executive order to challenge state efforts. James emphasizes that blocking states from regulating AI poses significant safety and security risks. “Every state should be able to enact and enforce its own AI regulations to protect its residents,” she asserted.

AI has become a pressing concern, with incidents of harmful AI chatbots impacting children’s mental health and the rise of AI-generated deepfakes facilitating scams. James insists that state governments are best equipped to manage these threats. “I am urging Congress to reject Big Tech’s efforts to stop states from enforcing AI regulations that protect our communities,” she stated.

New York is at the forefront of AI regulation. New laws took effect this month requiring AI companion operators to implement safety features that alert users during prolonged interactions and provide crisis center referrals if users exhibit suicidal thoughts. Additionally, legislation is advancing to mandate large AI companies to publish safety protocols and disclose dangerous AI behaviors. The Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (RAISE Act) aims to hold developers accountable for public safety threats and curb the use of AI in creating bioweapons.

Despite federal uncertainty, New York is balancing safety with economic development pressures. Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United, is advocating for a strategic approach to AI regulations. He underscores the need for investments in the power grid and diverse energy sources, stressing that current climate laws hinder progress.

“Reliability margins are diminishing as we lose energy sources faster than we can replace them, partly due to the CLCPA,” Wilcox warned. Concurrently, other state bills are pushing for limits on energy consumption from data centers.

In a proactive move, Dr. Michael Mandel, vice president and chief economist for the Progressive Policy Institute, has developed a toolbox for states implementing AI policies. His framework not only emphasizes energy grid enhancements but also encourages educational partnerships and retraining programs to boost job growth. He advocates for a robust tax incentive program to foster innovation, noting, “Studies have shown a positive economic effect from tax incentives.”

As New York navigates the evolving landscape of AI regulation, the outcome of this federal-state conflict could have lasting implications for public safety, economic growth, and technological development. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and all eyes will be on Congress as they consider the future of AI governance in America.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as New York continues to lead the charge in AI safety and regulation amid rising national tensions.