Progressive lawmakers Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation to impose a moratorium on the construction of new AI datacenters, citing concerns over energy consumption, environmental impact, and rising utility costs. The bill aims to give the US government time to establish federal safeguards for the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sanders said Congress is 'totally unprepared for the magnitude of the changes that are already taking place' regarding AI. The moratorium would remain in place until laws are enacted to address datacenters' climate effects, prevent job displacement, and ensure that wealth generated by AI companies is shared with the public. It would also ban the export of AI chips to countries without similar protections, including China.
The proposal reflects growing bipartisan concern over datacenter expansion. Since August 2025, towns and counties in Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, and North Carolina have passed temporary bans, and at least 11 states are considering similar policies. In December, over 200 advocacy groups, led by Food and Water Watch, called for a federal moratorium, citing impacts on electricity bills and the climate crisis.
Polling data shows rising public unease: a June 2025 survey found half of US adults are more concerned than excited about AI's increasing use, while a December poll indicated 60% of Americans want better regulation. Separate polls found that voters are particularly worried about datacenters driving up utility costs and energy consumption.
Datacenters' massive water and electricity demands have sparked controversy, especially in drought-prone areas. A report from the Center for Biological Diversity estimates that if current trends continue, datacenters could account for nearly half of all US power-sector emissions allowed under national climate targets. Bloomberg analysis found that in some regions with high datacenter concentrations, power costs have surged by 267% over five years.
Proponents of the bill argue that the moratorium is no longer a fringe idea. Sanders noted that when he first proposed it, it was seen as 'radical' but has since gained support from lawmakers like Maxwell Frost and Pramila Jayapal. The legislation comes as the Trump administration faces increasing pressure to address the environmental and economic costs of AI infrastructure.
