Sanders and AOC Propose Moratorium on New AI Data Centers

The first-of-its-kind bill aims to protect workers, consumers, and the environment from the harms of unchecked data center growth.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:04am

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Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation that would impose a nationwide moratorium on the construction of new artificial intelligence data centers. The Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act would pause new data center approvals until strong safeguards are in place to protect workers, consumers, privacy, civil rights, and the environment.

Why it matters

The explosive growth of AI data centers has raised concerns over their massive energy consumption, water usage, climate impact, and disruption to local communities. This bill aims to give policymakers time to properly assess and regulate the industry before more unchecked expansion occurs.

The details

The proposed moratorium would remain in effect until national safeguards are established to address the harms caused by data centers, which include skyrocketing electricity rates, drained water resources, electronic waste, noise pollution, and the loss of farmland. The legislation is supported by advocacy groups like Food & Water Watch, which has been calling for a data center moratorium to allow communities to have a say in their own futures.

  • The bill is set to be formally introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 4 pm ET.
  • Food & Water Watch first called for a national AI data center moratorium in 2025.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and one of the leading progressive voices in Congress.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A U.S. Representative from New York and a prominent progressive member of Congress.

Food & Water Watch

A national advocacy organization that was the first to call for a moratorium on new AI data center construction in the U.S.

Mitch Jones

The managing director of policy and litigation at Food & Water Watch.

Jim Walsh

The policy director at Food & Water Watch.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow another unchecked Silicon Valley scheme to profit off our backs while sticking us with the bill.”

— Mitch Jones, Managing Director of Policy and Litigation, Food & Water Watch

“The only prudent course of action when it comes to AI is to halt the explosive growth of new data center construction now, so that states and communities have the time needed to properly consider their own futures.”

— Jim Walsh, Policy Director, Food & Water Watch

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant step in addressing the unchecked growth of AI data centers and their detrimental impacts on communities, the environment, and the climate. If passed, it would give policymakers the time and tools needed to properly regulate this industry and ensure its development aligns with the public interest.