US Lawmakers Propose Bill to Halt New AI Data Centers Until Safety Measures Implemented

Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a bill on March 26, 2026, to stop the construction of new AI data centers until the government enacts protections for workers' civil rights and environmental concerns. They warn that data center energy consumption threatens national energy crises and seek a federal moratorium to prevent technology billionaires from controlling the future. The bill faces challenges from Republican control in Congress and currently lacks bipartisan support.

Published Mar 27, 2026

On March 26, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez proposed legislation to halt the development of new AI data centers until the government ensures worker protections and environmental safeguards. They argue that the energy consumption of 36 blocked data centers in the U.S. has already cost $162 billion and poses a risk of a national energy crisis.

AI-curated by Theia

The bill aims to prevent 'technology billionaires' from dominating the future and emphasizes the need for national AI regulations to avoid mass surveillance and ethical concerns. This progressive bill faces opposition from Republicans, and there has been no bipartisan support or implementation of a national AI framework.