U.S. lawmakers seek moratorium on new AI data centers

High-profile progressive Democrats, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), have unveiled the "AI Data Center Moratorium Act." The proposed legislation aims to impose a pause on the construction of new data centers across the United States. This moratorium would remain in effect until comprehensive national safeguards concerning artificial intelligence (AI) are established. Senator Sanders emphasized that the pause would provide critical time for the government to review and ensure that AI technology is utilized in a manner that benefits all citizens, rather than just the wealthy. He articulated that this period is necessary to understand the inherent risks, protect working families, defend democracy, and guarantee that technology serves the broader public interest. Despite its introduction, the bill is widely considered unlikely to advance through either the House or the Senate. The report notes that most lawmakers from both political parties have expressed opposition to the idea of such a pause. Additionally, former Trump administration officials have voiced concerns that a moratorium could potentially give China a strategic advantage in the development of AI.