Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are introducing legislation to impose a nationwide moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers until federal safeguards are established. The proposal reflects growing concern among progressives over the environmental, economic, and societal impact of rapidly expanding AI infrastructure.

The bill would halt new data center development until protections are in place for workers and consumers, and address concerns about energy use, pollution, and water consumption. However, the measure is unlikely to advance in Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have largely rejected the idea.

Communities across the country have increasingly pushed back against data center projects, citing fears of rising electricity costs and strain on local resources. Those concerns have begun to influence political outcomes, particularly in states where energy prices have become a key issue for voters.

At the same time, President Donald Trump and other leaders have emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence for economic growth and national security. The administration has sought to ease public concerns by encouraging major technology companies to develop their own power sources to support data center expansion.

Sanders argued that voluntary commitments from tech companies are not enough, warning that artificial intelligence represents a transformative shift that demands stronger oversight. He called for a federal moratorium to allow for greater public debate and regulatory planning.

The proposal has drawn pushback even from within the Democratic Party. Sen. John Fetterman rejected the idea, echoing concerns that slowing U.S. development could give China a strategic advantage in artificial intelligence.

The White House has instead outlined a framework focused on balancing innovation with targeted protections, including preventing energy cost spikes and safeguarding consumers, while avoiding broad restrictions that could hinder growth.

With U.S. electricity demand already at record highs and expected to rise further as AI expands, the debate highlights a growing divide in Washington over how to manage the technology’s rapid development without compromising economic competitiveness.