US Lawmakers Propose Pause on Data Centres Until AI Safeguards Implemented

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Pause AI Data Centre Construction

Two US lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at pausing the construction of new data centres until national safeguards are in place to protect workers’ livelihoods, civil liberties, and the environment.

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez unveiled the legislation on Wednesday. The proposed law would establish a moratorium on new AI data centre construction until adequate measures are taken to address concerns surrounding the technology’s impact on society.

According to Senator Sanders, lawmakers need to take action due to their limited understanding of AI. He stated that the bill is necessary to prevent billionaire tech oligarchs from making decisions that will reshape the economy and democracy.

Representative Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the need for national legislation to regulate AI, citing concerns over mass government surveillance, deepfakes, and other potential harms. She argued that Congress has a moral obligation to address these issues.

The proposed bill comes amid growing opposition to data centre construction in communities across the US. At least 36 projects were blocked or delayed between May 2024 and June 2025, resulting in $162 billion in investment disruption.

A recent NBC News poll found that 57% of registered US voters believe the risks from AI outweigh its benefits, while only 26% feel positively about the technology. The bill faces an uphill battle in Congress, where Republicans control both chambers, and even some Democrats are divided on how to regulate AI.

US President Donald Trump’s administration released a national AI framework last week, which recommends measures to protect children, control electricity prices, and uphold intellectual property rights and freedom of speech.

Source: Al Jazeera