general
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez propose ban on new data centers above 20 megawatts
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced matching bills to halt new high-power data centers above 20 megawatts until Congress approves broad AI rules, proposing model certification, worker protections, environmental limits, and export controls.
Mar 25th 2026 ยท United States
Insights
- Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced companion bills to ban new data centers with peak loads over 20 megawatts.
- The ban would pause large projects until Congress enacts comprehensive AI regulation.
- The lawmakers want pre-release government review and certification of AI models, protections against AI-driven job displacement, and union labor requirements for construction.
- The proposal includes limits on the environmental impact of data infrastructure and a ban on exporting advanced chips to countries without similar rules.
- Sanders cited warnings from prominent tech figures about AI risks, and a March Pew Research poll found a majority of Americans more concerned than excited about AI, with just 10% more excited than concerned.
- The measure faces political hurdles from heavy tech industry spending and concerns about U.S. competitiveness with China.