1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed federal AI regulation outlined in what has been termed the "Big Beautiful Bill." While the rhetoric surrounding this bill emphasizes "state's rights," the reality is a significant federal power grab that undermines state and local autonomy, particularly concerning the regulation of artificial intelligence. Specifically, I am deeply concerned about the provision that imposes a 10-year ban on state and local governments' ability to regulate AI. This ban would strip states of their crucial ability to protect citizens from algorithmic discrimination in critical areas such as hiring, housing, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, it would prevent states from implementing essential safeguards regarding facial recognition, AI surveillance, and data misuse. This lack of guardrails, transparency, and accountability is unacceptable. The bill's potential to disproportionately benefit figures like Elon Musk is particularly alarming. The deregulation of AI directly advantages Tesla, allowing the company to operate its self-driving software without state-level safety standards, data collection limits, or transparency requirements. This effectively grants Tesla unchecked authority over AI-powered vehicles on public roads, preventing states from demanding crash data transparency or blocking potentially unsafe features. Moreover, the bill facilitates Musk's broader AI ambitions, including the development of Stargate, a large-scale AI infrastructure project. The rapid construction of a data center in South Memphis, powered by 35 methane gas turbines without proper emission controls, highlights the potential for unchecked environmental harm and disregard for local community well-being. The proposed federal regulation would further prevent states from addressing such issues. This bill is not about promoting freedom; it is about deregulation that benefits billionaires at the expense of public safety and local control. It represents a centralized power grab that jeopardizes the well-being of citizens by removing essential state-level protections. I urge you to oppose this bill and prioritize legislation that ensures transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens from the potential harms of unregulated AI. I believe that states must retain the right to safeguard their communities and implement necessary regulations to protect their residents. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.