Press Release – VIPP Champions AI Moratorium, Invokes Commerce Clause
Summary
The Virginia Institute for Public Policy has issued a strong endorsement for a proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations, urging Congress to invoke its Commerce Clause authority to pre-empt fragmented state laws with a unified federal approach. While the Institute values state governance for most issues, it argues that AI’s unique nature—crossing state borders, impacting interstate commerce, national security, and global markets—necessitates a national regulatory framework. The current trend of individual states attempting to regulate AI could create a chaotic, inconsistent legal landscape that stifles innovation, burdens small businesses, and weakens the United States’ competitive position globally, especially against countries like China that are rapidly advancing in AI technology. Caleb Taylor, the Institute’s Director of Policy, compares the situation to the early internet era, warning that premature, inconsistent regulations could hinder AI development much like overly restrictive state regulations could have hampered the internet’s growth. A moratorium would allow Congress the necessary time to evaluate AI’s impact comprehensively, consult with stakeholders, and create forward-thinking policies that protect innovation and economic prosperity. The Institute calls on Virginia’s congressional delegation to take leadership in passing this moratorium, echoing Governor Youngkin’s stance that government regulation should enable, not stifle, AI innovation. The Institute emphasizes the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and the complexity involved, arguing that only Congress can effectively address these challenges without legislative overreach.
