Sanders & Ocasio-Cortez Propose AI Data Center Moratorium

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced legislation on Wednesday proposing a federal moratorium on new AI data centers until national safeguards are established. The bill aims to protect workers' livelihoods, civil liberties, and the environment from potential harms posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology.

According to Al Jazeera, Sanders emphasized that lawmakers are 'way behind' in understanding AI's impact. He stated, '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.' Ocasio-Cortez highlighted existing harms ranging from mass government surveillance to sexually explicit deepfakes.

The proposed legislation comes amid growing grassroots opposition to data centers across the US. Al Jazeera reports that at least 36 data centers were blocked or delayed between May 2024 and June 2025, disrupting $162bn in investment. Opposition spans Republican and Democratic-led states including Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, and Oregon.

An NBC News poll cited by The Guardian found that 57% of registered US voters believe the risks from AI outweigh the benefits. However, the bill faces an uphill battle in Congress, where Republicans control both chambers. Democratic Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) dismissed the moratorium as 'China First,' arguing for American leadership in AI development.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) pushed back against the proposed moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers, blasting the policy proposal as 'China First.' In a post on X, Fetterman asserted that the emerging chassis of AI must be built by America and that a moratorium would hand over the win on AI to China. He urged fellow Democrats to 'do the right thing' and not impose such restrictions.

During a press conference, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez addressed concerns about allowing China to gain an advantage through the moratorium. Sanders suggested that global leadership should collaborate to prevent potential harm from AI technology. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for companies to be transparent and invest in infrastructure before continuing development.

The proposed measure would block the construction or upgrade of AI data centers until regulatory laws are instituted. These laws would need to ensure the safety and effectiveness of AI products, benefit workers over wealthy owners, not increase utility bills or exacerbate climate change, give communities authority over local projects, prohibit government subsidies for data centers, and ensure union jobs with strong labor standards. The proposal also includes a ban on exporting AI-related computer hardware to nations without such regulations.