Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act. The bill calls for an immediate federal halt to building or expanding AI data centers.
The pause would remain in effect until Congress enacts comprehensive national safeguards. These safeguards must address energy costs for consumers, environmental impact, job displacement, privacy, and civil rights.
Senator Sanders introduced the Senate version, S.4214, in March 2026. Representative Ocasio-Cortez followed with the House version in June 2026. The bill's prospects in the current political climate are considered dim.
At least a dozen states are already pursuing or considering their own moratoriums on AI data centers. The federal bill aligns with a growing state-level trend.
While the legislation does not mention cryptocurrency, its focus on energy costs mirrors long-standing debates about Bitcoin mining. The bill references warnings from Elon Musk about unchecked AI growth.
Investors note the potential for a patchwork of state-level restrictions. This could complicate site selection and increase operational costs for energy-intensive industries, including Bitcoin mining.