U.S. Rep André Carson joins Bernie Sanders, AOC on data center moratorium bill

U.S. Rep. André Carson, representing Indianapolis, has joined progressive lawmakers U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in introducing federal legislation aimed at implementing a moratorium on data center development. The proposed bill, introduced on June 24, seeks to halt new data center projects until assurances are established that artificial intelligence is safe, benefits workers, and does not lead to increased utility costs or environmental damage. Carson emphasized that data centers should not burden American families already struggling with high costs, advocating for "guardrails" to ensure worker and community protection.

While the bill faces long odds in a Republican-controlled Congress, its introduction signifies growing political attention to the impacts of data centers and AI, particularly concerning their energy intensity and resource demands. The issue has become a contentious point in local elections nationwide, including Indianapolis, which has seen several data center proposals. Carson’s involvement follows his earlier support for a federal moratorium in April, countering criticism from primary opponents regarding his stance on local proposals.

In addition to the moratorium bill, Carson previously co-sponsored the AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act in April, which aims to ensure communities are fully informed about data center development plans before they are finalized. The debates surrounding data centers are increasingly intertwined with broader concerns about local control, land-use, and public distrust of the large technology firms driving the AI boom.