Jun 26, 2026 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, which would halt construction of new AI data centers until a federal regulatory framework is established. The bill applies to AI facilities exceeding 20MW and cites concerns over AI risks and the local impacts of data center development.
The bill would require measures to prevent job losses and ensure AI’s economic benefits are shared, while mandating that data centers do not increase consumer utility costs or environmental impact. It would give communities approval power over projects, ban subsidies, require union jobs, and direct the Energy Secretary to publish quarterly reports on energy, water use, emissions, wastewater, and noise.
"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. 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. 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 bill is cosponsored by multiple House members, with lawmakers noting that over 100 US communities have already imposed data center moratoriums and 12 states are considering similar actions. While federal passage is unlikely, AI and data center regulation is gaining traction at the state and local level. Sanders has also proposed a 50% US stake in major AI firms to fund a sovereign wealth fund.
