US lawmakers push for AI data centre moratorium
In a proactive stance towards the future of artificial intelligence, two progressive lawmakers in the United States have initiated a call for a moratorium on the construction of new AI data centres. This move aims to ensure that the rapidly evolving technology does not compromise the “future of humanity.”
The legislation, introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, seeks to halt data centre construction until national safeguards are enacted to protect the livelihoods of workers, civil liberties, and the environment.
Senator Sanders, an independent representing Vermont, emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting that lawmakers are “way behind” in comprehending the implications of AI. He articulated, “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.”
Representative Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, echoed these concerns, highlighting that the absence of national regulations on AI has already resulted in significant issues, including widespread government surveillance and the emergence of explicit deepfakes. "Congress has a moral obligation to stand with the American people and stop the expansion of these data centres until we have a framework to adequately address the existential harm AI poses to our society,” she declared.
This proposed legislation arises amid a rising grassroots opposition to the establishment of data centres, which require substantial resource consumption. Between May 2024 and June 2025, at least 36 data centres encountered opposition or delays, affecting $162 billion in investments. This opposition has transcended party lines in states such as Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana, Missouri, and Oregon.
Recent polling data indicates that 57 percent of registered US voters perceive the risks associated with AI as outweighing its advantages, with merely 26 percent holding a favorable view of AI. However, the bill introduced by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez faces obstacles in Congress, as many lawmakers—including some Democrats—are divided on the matter of AI regulation. Democratic Senator John Fetterman opposed the proposed moratorium, labeling it as “China First.” Conversely, the Trump administration's framework advocates for the accelerated deployment of AI while also suggesting protective measures for children and regulating electricity prices.
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez assert that the time for decisive action is now, as the necessity for thorough public discourse and oversight concerning AI becomes increasingly critical.
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