Progressive Lawmakers Propose Halt to New AI Data Centers Nationwide

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced legislation Wednesday calling for a temporary ban on new artificial intelligence data centers until worker and environmental protections are established. The proposal faces strong opposition from both parties, with critics warning it could give China an advantage in AI development.

WASHINGTON — Progressive Democratic leaders unveiled legislation Wednesday calling for a temporary halt to new artificial intelligence data centers across the nation until comprehensive protections for workers, consumers, and the environment are established.

The proposed measure from New York Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders faces slim chances of passage in Congress, yet it highlights growing progressive concerns about the expanding footprint of data centers and AI technology.

Numerous communities nationwide have witnessed growing resistance to data center development due to worries about increased utility costs and environmental impacts from pollution and water usage. Concerns over higher electricity rates played a significant role in Democratic electoral victories last year across Georgia, Virginia, and New Jersey.

While President Donald Trump and other officials view AI advancement as essential for America’s economic competitiveness and national defense, the technology’s massive energy requirements pose serious challenges to the electrical grid. Trump recently hosted major tech executives at the White House, securing commitments for companies to develop their own power sources.

“They need some PR help because people think that if a data center goes in there, electricity prices are going to go up,” Trump stated.

Sanders argued Wednesday that voters deserve more than voluntary promises from technology corporations.

“AI and robotics are creating the most sweeping technological revolution in the history of humanity. The scale, scope and speed of that change is unprecedented. Congress is way behind where it should be in understanding the nature of this revolution and its impacts,” Sanders declared in advance of the bill’s official introduction.

“Bottom line: We cannot sit back and allow a handful of billionaire Big Tech oligarchs to make decisions that will reshape our economy, our democracy and the future of humanity,” Sanders continued. “We need serious public debate and democratic oversight over this enormously consequential issue. The time for action is now. We need a federal moratorium on AI data centers.”

The majority of legislators from both political parties have dismissed the moratorium concept.

Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman expressed agreement with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s assessment that halting data center development equals raising a “surrender flag” to China. “I refuse to help hand the lead in AI to China,” Fetterman posted on social media platform X.

The White House announced last week that Congress should “preempt state AI laws” deemed overly restrictive, presenting a comprehensive framework for legislative AI oversight that avoids stifling sector growth or innovation.

The administration’s legislative outline presents six core principles for lawmakers, emphasizing child protection, preventing electricity cost spikes, safeguarding intellectual property, avoiding censorship, and educating Americans about the technology.

American electricity usage reached unprecedented levels in 2024 and projections show continued increases as data centers expand rapidly. A standard AI-focused data center requires electricity equivalent to powering 100,000 homes.

Tech giants that pledged support for Trump’s ratepayer protection initiative include Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon. These companies committed to constructing or purchasing new power generation facilities for their data centers while covering infrastructure upgrade costs.