By Dharna Noor
Publication Date: 2026-03-25 11:00:00
Amid an unprecedented energy crisis and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, progressive lawmakers have unveiled a new policy that imposes a moratorium on the construction of AI data centers.
The policies announced Wednesday morning by Bernie Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democratic representative, aim to ensure that the AI boom protects the environment and communities and benefits workers rather than harms them. A temporary ban, lawmakers say, would give the U.S. government time to create strong federal protections for AI, which “affects everything from our economy and well-being to our democracy, warfare and our children’s education.”
“AI and robotics are creating the most sweeping technological revolution in human history,” Sanders said in an emailed statement. “The scale, scope and speed of this change is unprecedented. Congress is far behind where it should be in terms of understanding…
