US Edition
Sanders, 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.
83 Articles
83 Articles
Fetterman slams AI data center moratorium proposal as 'China First'
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., pushed back against the prospect of imposing a moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers in the U.S., blasting the policy proposal as "China First." "The emerging chassis of AI must be built by America. We can put appropriate guardrails in place without handing…
Sanders and AOC Propose Nationwide AI Data Center Freeze
Source: Tasos Katopodis / Getty Construction of AI-focused data centers across the United States could be put on hold under new legislation introduced Wednesday by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The proposal calls for a nationwide moratorium on building or upgrading AI data center projects until Congress enacts sweeping regulations governing artificial intelligence. According to the bill’s text, “A moratoriu…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
