A proposal to enact a moratorium on new data centers across the country is gaining traction among progressives on Capitol Hill.
Last year hundreds of advocacy groups, led by Food and Water Watch, sent House and Senate lawmakers are letter calling for a “National Data Center Moratorium Now!” They cited energy, water and other environmental concerns. But only Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared to take them up on the plan.
Now, even though the idea remains unpopular with members of both parties, it’s gaining currency among lawmakers like former Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). Sanders said he’s preparing legislation.
“A few months ago, when I proposed a moratorium on AI data centers, it was perceived as a radical, fringe and Luddite idea. Well, not anymore,” said Sanders.
