Sen. Sanders and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez introduce data center moratorium bill
Tapping into the growing public pushback surrounding the data center construction boom, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, have announced The AI Data Center Moratorium Act of 2026. The bill calls for a halt to new data center construction until federal legislation regulating AI is enacted.
Lawmakers in at least 11 states have proposed pauses on data center construction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In addition to halting new data center construction, the bill also calls for banning the export of advanced AI chips to countries that lack regulations that protect against harms from AI.
In a press release, Ocasio-Cortez said:
“Congress has a moral obligation to stand with the American people and stop the expansion of these data centers until we have a framework to adequately address the existential harm AI poses to our society. We must choose humanity over profit.”
Heading into the midterm elections, data centers are starting to emerge as a political issue following a growing list of projects that have been scuttled due to community opposition. President Trump has pushed AI companies to voluntarily pledge to “pay their way” for the massive energy requirements of data centers.
Lawmakers in at least 11 states have proposed pauses on data center construction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In addition to halting new data center construction, the bill also calls for banning the export of advanced AI chips to countries that lack regulations that protect against harms from AI.
In a press release, Ocasio-Cortez said:
“Congress has a moral obligation to stand with the American people and stop the expansion of these data centers until we have a framework to adequately address the existential harm AI poses to our society. We must choose humanity over profit.”
Heading into the midterm elections, data centers are starting to emerge as a political issue following a growing list of projects that have been scuttled due to community opposition. President Trump has pushed AI companies to voluntarily pledge to “pay their way” for the massive energy requirements of data centers.
