Lawmakers push a bill to impose an AI data center moratorium

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont introduced a bill that would impose a national moratorium on new data centers in the United States. The legislation, unveiled in Washington, seeks to halt new data center construction until comprehensive national safeguards are implemented to protect workers and consumers, and to mitigate environmental harm from these technologies. The lawmakers expressed deep concerns shared by many progressives regarding the escalating impact of data centers and artificial intelligence. They cited a public backlash against data centers across the country due to fears of rising electricity prices, pollution, and excessive water consumption. Ocasio-Cortez criticized 'Big Tech' for seeking 'endless energy' and driving up utility costs for everyday Americans to fuel the AI boom. Despite the progressive push, the bill faces an uphill battle, with most lawmakers from both parties having rejected the idea of a moratorium. Republican leaders, including former President Trump, view advances in AI as critical for national security and the economy, though Trump has also urged tech companies to develop their own power generation to alleviate grid strain. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) echoed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's sentiment that a moratorium would signal 'surrender' to countries like China in the AI race. Industry groups, such as the Data Center Coalition, also oppose the proposed moratorium, arguing it would limit internet capacity, slow critical services, eliminate jobs, reduce tax revenue, and raise costs for American families. The White House has similarly advocated for a broad federal framework to address AI concerns without stifling growth or innovation, emphasizing principles like protecting children, preventing electricity cost surges, and respecting intellectual property. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon have committed to Trump's pledge to develop new power sources for their data centers and cover infrastructure upgrade expenses.