Rep Ocasio-Cortez Introduces House Version of the AI Data Center Moratorium Act

Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, legislation that would create a temporary prohibition on the construction of new data centers and the expansion of existing data centers until Congress passes comprehensive legislation to address the economic, environmental, and safety impacts of artificial intelligence. Specifically, the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act would institute an immediate federal moratorium on the construction of new data centers and the expansion of existing data centers until strong national safeguards are in place to ensure that:

• AI is safe and effective—preventing executives in the AI industry from releasing harmful products into the world that threaten the health and well-being of working families, our privacy and civil rights, and long-term economic and social stability;
• The economic gains of AI and robotics will benefit workers, not just the wealthy owners of Big Tech; and
• AI does not increase electricity and utility prices, harm communities, or destroy the environment.