Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders push bill to impose AI data center moratorium

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced legislation that would halt construction of new AI data centers nationwide until federal safeguards are established for worker protection, consumer safety, and environmental standards. The bill reflects progressive concern that the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure—which consumes massive amounts of electricity and water—is outpacing regulatory oversight. The measure targets the infrastructure boom driving artificial intelligence deployment, signaling a push for the federal government to impose guardrails before the sector grows further. Data centers are energy-intensive facilities that power AI systems and cloud computing, making them central to the technology sector's expansion. The bill faces an uphill climb in a Republican-controlled Congress but could shape the Democratic narrative on regulating AI as 2026 midterms approach.