Bernie Sanders and AOC introduce bill to pause building of new datacenters
In a significant move amidst an ongoing energy crisis and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, progressive lawmakers Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have unveiled a new policy aimed at placing a moratorium on the construction of AI datacenters. This initiative is intended to buy time for the federal government to establish robust regulations that ensure the AI boom is environmentally sustainable and beneficial to workers and communities.
The Need for a Moratorium
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, expressed his concerns during a press conference, stating, “Despite the extraordinary importance of this issue and its impact on every man, woman, and child in this country, AI has received far too little serious discussion here in our nation’s capital.” He emphasized that Congress is ill-prepared for the sweeping changes that AI is bringing to various aspects of society, including the economy, education, and even warfare.
Details of the Proposed Bill
The proposed moratorium would take effect immediately upon passage and remain in place until new laws are enacted to mitigate the harmful effects associated with datacenters. Key provisions of the bill include:
- Addressing climate and environmental impacts of datacenters.
- Preventing increases in utility costs for consumers.
- Avoiding job displacement caused by automation.
- Ensuring that the wealth generated by AI companies is shared with the American public.
- Imposing a ban on the export of computing hardware, such as AI chips, to countries lacking similar protections, including China.
Growing Support for the Moratorium
This proposal is gaining traction as calls for halting AI datacenter expansion have moved from the fringes to the mainstream. Since August 2025, various towns and counties across the United States—including Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, and North Carolina—have enacted temporary bans on new datacenter construction. Currently, at least 11 states are considering similar measures, according to Good Jobs First, a watchdog group monitoring economic development.
Public Concerns and Advocacy
In December, over 200 advocacy groups, led by the national environmental organization Food and Water Watch, sent a letter to congressional leaders urging a federal moratorium on datacenters. They cited concerns about the sector’s impact on electricity bills and the climate crisis. Sanders was the first lawmaker to support this demand, which has since garnered backing from other progressive figures, including Representatives Maxwell Frost and Pramila Jayapal.
Shifting Public Opinion
Recent surveys indicate that public concern about AI’s implications is on the rise. A June 2025 poll revealed that half of U.S. adults are more worried than excited about AI’s increasing presence in daily life. Furthermore, a December poll found that 60% of Americans believe the AI sector should be better regulated to mitigate its potential negative effects on society.
Datacenters and Utility Costs
Voters are particularly troubled by the impact of datacenters on utility costs and energy consumption. In a February poll, participants indicated that they found utility costs concerning 64% of the time and energy consumption concerning 59% of the time when presented with various issues related to datacenters.
Environmental Concerns
Datacenters require vast amounts of water for cooling, raising alarms in drought-prone regions. Additionally, their environmental impact has come under scrutiny. While proponents argue that AI can help reduce emissions, an October report from the Center for Biological Diversity warned that, if current trends continue, datacenters could account for nearly half of all U.S. emissions from the power sector permitted under national climate targets.
Economic Implications
The electricity demand from datacenters has also contributed to rising utility prices in various areas. A Bloomberg analysis reported that regions with a high concentration of datacenters have experienced power cost surges of up to 267% over the past five years. In response to these growing concerns, the Trump administration recently hosted tech executives at the White House to discuss measures aimed at shielding Americans from utility rate hikes linked to datacenters’ energy consumption. However, critics argue that these pledges are unenforceable, and public skepticism remains high.
Impact on Labor and Mental Health
During the press conference, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the impact of AI on employment, stating, “Last year alone, AI was responsible for over 54,000 layoffs nationwide.” She emphasized that these layoffs affect not just numbers, but entire industries, communities, and families. Additionally, concerns about AI’s potential to exacerbate mental health issues were raised, particularly regarding young people’s social interactions and the risk of increased loneliness.
Privacy and Democratic Concerns
Sanders also expressed worries about how AI companies might undermine online privacy and threaten democratic processes through the proliferation of misleading content, including realistic fake images of public figures. 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.”
Conclusion
The introduction of this moratorium on new datacenter construction signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding AI and its implications for society. As lawmakers like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez push for stronger regulations, the future of AI infrastructure development may hinge on public support and the effectiveness of proposed safeguards.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and reflects the current discussions surrounding AI datacenters and their societal impacts.
