DC Communicators Forum: A Conversation with Axios’ Hans Nichols and Ben Geman
Energy, data centers and AI regulation is at the forefront of politics. At ROKK’s most recent DC Communicators Forum, Hans Nichols and Ben Geman, reporters at Axios, joined ROKK Partner and Co-Founder Rodell Mollineau for a panel discussion in front of over 20 leading communicators and public affairs professionals.. The discussion covered a variety of topics from the data center narrative to how Congress and the administration is approaching AI regulation.
The Data Center Narrative
Ben Geman, who reports on energy at Axios, noted that the tech industry and data centers are losing the battle on their role in rising energy costs, a belief 38% of U.S. adults hold according to Pew Research Center as of June 2026. Without either group successfully shifting the narrative, the connection between the two will only become harder to break as others define the issue. The same Pew Research Center study noted that as Americans hear more about data centers, they view the effects of data centers as more negative than positive.
What is the solution? Ben discussed how Congress has already passed a bill to “require state utility commissions to consider a strategy to make data centers pay their own way, instead of passing it on to American consumers.” Ben also noted that the Committee on Energy and Commerce has recently posted pro-data center content on their Instagram focused on the bill and the benefits for communities.
Congress’ Approach to AI Regulation
Speaker Mike Johnson said he will not push Congress to regulate AI, and is instead asking AI company leaders to take responsibility for it. Hans Nichols said Congress usually leans towards retroactive rather than proactive legislation, with examples like the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, both of which passed two years after the 2007-2008 financial crisis. While people may want Congress to focus on AI regulation, the reality is that not all of Congress uses AI or has the required knowledge necessary for legislation, as Hans’ and Ben’s Axios colleagues reported.
Despite a hesitancy from Congress to regulate it and while President Trump calls the growing concerns around AI “a hoax,” regulation is among the primary topics voters are concerned about for this midterm cycle and potentially the 2028 presidential elections.
Learn More About The DC Communicators Forum
ROKK Solutions regularly hosts conversations between some of Washington’s most influential voices and industry leaders, providing insights into how public affairs and communications are being shaped and where it is headed. Interested in being part of future conversations? Get in touch with our team.
