Top Democrats call to rein in AI buildout after midterms sweep: 'National data center moratorium now'
Democratic lawmakers and candidates are calling for restrictions on artificial intelligence development and data center construction following major election gains. Proposals include a national moratorium and a Texas pause on data center approvals, while Pennsylvania has already taken executive action to slow development.
Democratic lawmakers and newly elected officials used their post-election platforms to criticize the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers. Sen. Bernie Sanders called for a national data center moratorium, while Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Greg Casar backed pausing AI development. Several candidates also campaigned against data centers as threats to local control, jobs and the environment.
Texas is a central focus because it accounts for an estimated 27% of planned U.S. data center capacity. Gina Hinojosa, who defeated Gov. Greg Abbott, pledged before the election to halt all Texas data center approvals until lawmakers enact protective legislation. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has already signed an executive order intended to slow data center development, while investors reacted to the election results by selling shares of companies tied to the AI buildout.