Pallone calls for national data center moratorium
Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, a high-ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has called for a nationwide data center moratorium. He cited public backlash and opposition to the rapid construction of AI data centers as the reason for his proposal. This initiative was announced during an Energy Subcommittee session.
Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has publicly called for Congress to impose a nationwide moratorium on data center construction. This statement makes Pallone the most influential congressional Democrat with jurisdiction over energy and environmental matters to support such a policy.
Pallone's proposal, delivered during an Energy Subcommittee session on Wednesday, was prompted by significant "public backlash" and widespread "concern and opposition" from Americans regarding the proliferation of AI data centers. He emphasized the need for Congress to address this "political groundswell" seriously. The subcommittee meeting where Pallone made his remarks was also considering more modest legislation focused on preventing ratepayers from financially subsidizing data center expansion.