Ocasio-Cortez Introduces House Version of the AI Data Center Moratorium Act

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) has introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act in the House, proposing a temporary federal prohibition on the construction of new data centers and the expansion of existing ones. This moratorium would remain in effect until Congress enacts comprehensive legislation to address the economic, environmental, and safety implications of artificial intelligence development.

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the urgent need for federal regulation, citing concerns over AI's use in surveillance, the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, and rising electricity costs in communities due to data center construction. She stated that Congress has a "moral obligation" to prevent further expansion until a framework is in place to mitigate the "existential harm AI poses to our society."

The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), would establish immediate safeguards. These include requirements for data usage, energy and water consumption, wastewater discharge, and worker wage and benefit information. Additionally, the Act seeks to ban U.S. exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries lacking equivalent safety and environmental regulations and mandate reporting on all financial vehicles involved in data center operations.