US EditionSanders, Ocasio-Cortez unveil bill to halt data center construction
The bill would pause AI data center projects until Congress enacts safeguards on AI safety, worker rights, consumer protection, and environmental impacts, with local moratoria already in 54 US communities.
- On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, proposing a nationwide pause on new AI data center construction until Congress enacts safeguards for workers, consumers, and the environment.
- Growing community opposition fueled the bill, as recent reports estimate local resistance has stalled or delayed $64 billion in data center projects since May 2024, with residents citing rising electricity bills and water consumption.
- Targeting facilities with peak power loads exceeding 20 megawatts, the bill drew sharp industry pushback. The Data Center Coalition warned a moratorium risks "rationing access to digital services" and could eliminate thousands of high-wage jobs.
- The White House recently urged lawmakers to "streamline federal permitting for AI infrastructure," contrasting with the bill's restrictive approach. Analysts consider the legislation a long-shot, as most lawmakers in both parties currently reject the idea of a moratorium.
- Emphasizing the need for democratic oversight, the senator stated, "We cannot sit back and allow a handful of billionaire Big Tech oligarchs to make decisions that will reshape our economy." The proposal reflects deep progressive concerns about AI's societal impact.
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Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Want to Halt Data Center Production
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez announced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act on Wednesday. J. Scott Applewhite/APSen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez want Congress to take immediate action to stop the spread of data centers key to artificial intelligence, which Sanders called “literally an existential threat to the existence of the human race.”The progressive lawmakers announced a new bi…
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez unveil bill to halt data center construction
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) plan to introduce legislation that would bar construction of all new data centers until “strong national safeguards are in place.” The pair announced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act on Wednesday, which aims to halt construction of AI infrastructure until lawmakers enact measures requiring government…
Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders push bill to impose AI data center moratorium
A bill introduced by two high-profile progressive lawmakers would pause new data centers in the United States until national safeguards are in place to protect workers and consumers and ensure the technologies don’t harm the environment.
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