Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act

Jun 24, 2026

Summary

Stops the building of new AI data centers until laws are passed to make sure AI is safe, benefits workers, and protects the environment and communities.

What problem does this solve?

Experts worry that unchecked AI development could lead to massive job loss and other societal dangers. This bill pauses the construction of the large data centers that power AI, creating time to establish safety rules before development gets further ahead.

What does this bill do?

Halts construction of AI data centers

Places a temporary stop on building or upgrading large data centers used for artificial intelligence until new safety laws are passed.

Sets conditions for ending the pause

Requires new laws to be passed that ensure AI products are reviewed for safety, economic gains are shared with workers, and new data centers do not harm the environment or raise utility bills.

Restricts exports of AI hardware

Prohibits selling computer hardware like semiconductors to countries that do not have similar safety laws for artificial intelligence.

Requires public reports on data centers

Mandates the Secretary of Energy to publish quarterly reports on each AI data center's energy and water use, environmental impact, and worker information.

Empowers communities and protects workers

Stipulates that future data centers must be approved by local communities, create union jobs with fair wages, and not receive government subsidies.

Who does this affect?

AI and technology companies
Construction industry workers
Local communities near proposed data centers

What is the real world impact?

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Forces a pause for safety regulations

Responds to warnings from tech leaders and experts about the dangers of fast-moving AI. Creates a time-out to allow lawmakers to create safety rules before the technology becomes too powerful and widespread to control.

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Protects local communities and the environment

Addresses the huge energy and water needs of AI data centers, which can strain local utilities, raise electricity bills, and harm the environment. Gives communities a say in whether these facilities can be built.

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Could slow down American innovation

Critics may argue that stopping data center construction could put the U.S. behind other countries in the global race for AI leadership. This pause might slow down technological progress and economic growth in the tech sector.

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Creates a potentially indefinite ban

The conditions required to lift the pause are broad and complex, involving worker benefits, environmental safety, and community approval. Reaching agreement on these issues could take a very long time, effectively turning a temporary pause into a long-term ban.

When does this start?

The pause on building AI data centers and the new export rules would start immediately after the bill becomes law.

Quarterly data center reports

The Secretary of Energy must begin submitting public reports to Congress on AI data centers every three months.