Support Federal AI Data Center Moratorium Act
I am a voting constituent writing to express strong support for the legislation introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which calls for a federal moratorium on the construction of new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
As our nation navigates an unprecedented energy crisis and the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, it is imperative that we pause to establish clear, federal guardrails. We cannot allow the AI boom to proceed at the expense of our environment, our local economies, and objective oversight.
The arguments for a temporary pause are supported by alarming data:
Protecting Our Environment: Data centers require vast quantities of water for cooling and consume immense amounts of electricity. In drought-ridden areas, this consumption is unsustainable. Furthermore, reports indicate that if left unchecked, data centers could soon account for nearly half of all U.S. power sector emissions. We must ensure this industry aligns with our national climate targets.
Preventing Utility Rate Hikes: The surge in data center demand is already driving up electricity prices for everyday Americans. In some high-concentration regions, power costs have skyrocketed by over 260% in just five years. Working families should not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure of multi-billion-dollar tech corporations through higher utility bills.
Ensuring Objective Oversight: Currently, the future of our economy and workforce is being shaped by a handful of tech executives without sufficient public debate or regulatory framework. A moratorium provides the necessary time for Congress to catch up with this technological revolution and implement safeguards that protect workers and our future.
This is not a fringe concern. Communities in states like Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, and North Carolina have already taken action to implement local bans, and a majority of Americans believe the sector needs better regulation.
I urge you to stand with your constituents by co-sponsoring and voting in favor of this legislation. We must prioritize the long-term well-being of our communities and the planet over the short-term profits of Big Tech.