U.S. Rep. Sewell Seeks Federal Moratorium on AI Data Centers
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has cosponsored a bill to pause the development of large artificial intelligence data centers nationwide. The proposed AI Data Center Moratorium Act seeks to establish federal safeguards due to concerns over resource demands, particularly water. This comes as a data center is proposed in Alabama's Marengo and Hale counties, leading to local community forums.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has become a cosponsor of a new bill, the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which aims to halt the construction and operation of large artificial intelligence data centers across the United States. The proposed legislation seeks to implement a pause until federal safeguards and regulations can be established by Congress.
Rep. Sewell stated in a news release that the bill is a response to the rapid expansion of AI data centers, citing the significant demands these facilities place on public resources, especially water. She noted that these concerns are particularly acute in communities within her district, Alabama's 7th Congressional District. A specific data center project is currently proposed for Marengo and Hale counties in Alabama, and community forums have been held, including one in Demopolis in April that drew approximately 100 attendees. Another forum is scheduled for July 30 in Gallion.