Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have proposed a temporary ban on building AI datacenters to address environmental, economic, and social concerns.

They argue the pause would give the government time to create regulations to limit energy use, protect jobs, and ensure the benefits of AI are shared broadly.

The plan also includes restricting exports of AI hardware to countries without similar safeguards.

The proposal reflects growing public concern over AI’s impact on energy costs, climate change, and employment, as well as its broader societal risks, The Guardian has reported.

However, the measure is unlikely to pass in Congress, especially as Donald Trump pushes for rapid AI expansion.