Lawmakers push for AI data center moratoriums as more states consider projects

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act, aiming for a federal suspension of AI data center construction. The proposed moratorium would last until national safeguards are in place, addressing concerns over economic benefits, electricity and utility prices, and environmental impacts on local communities. Sanders emphasized the need for public debate and democratic oversight to prevent a few "Big Tech oligarchs" from controlling this technological revolution. The bill has encountered intraparty divisions, with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia labeling the proposal "idiocy," arguing that a pause would give adversarial nations like China a competitive advantage. Despite these divisions, the bill seeks to address some of these concerns by proposing restrictions on U.S. exports to foreign countries that lack similar AI safeguards. This legislative push coincides with an increase in states considering their own data center projects. Notably, Utah recently approved the construction of an AI data center in Box Elder County. This specific project has sparked widespread protests and pushback from opponents concerned about its potential threat to local water resources, particularly the shrinking Great Salt Lake. The facility, which would span 40,000 acres and require 9 gigawatts of power, likely from natural gas plants, has raised significant environmental and energy concerns, although developers claim it would bolster U.S. military AI capabilities.