Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9442
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T18:47:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9442: Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act
Purpose
This bill aims to pause the building or expansion of large data centers used for artificial intelligence until new laws are passed to address risks from AI development, including job losses, safety concerns, and environmental effects.
Key Provisions
- Findings: The bill lists statements from technology leaders and experts warning about AI's potential to replace jobs, create surveillance systems, harm the environment, and pose existential risks, while also noting calls for pauses or regulations.
- Moratorium on Data Centers: Starting on the bill's enactment date, construction or upgrades of "artificial intelligence data centers" (defined as facilities with high power use over 20 megawatts, advanced cooling, or used for large-scale AI models) cannot begin or continue until:
- Laws are enacted requiring federal review of AI products for safety before release.
- Policies ensure AI benefits workers through job protections and wealth sharing.
- Post-moratorium data centers meet conditions such as no increases in consumer electricity bills, no added climate or environmental harm, local community approval, no government subsidies, and creation of union jobs with prevailing wages and apprenticeship programs.
- The new laws explicitly end the moratorium.
- Reporting Requirements: The Secretary of Energy must submit quarterly public reports on data centers covering financial details, water and energy use, emissions, waste, chemical use, noise, jobs and wages, land agreements, and subsidy compliance. The Secretary can use subpoenas, inspections, and other tools to verify information.
- Export Controls: The Secretary of Commerce must block exports, reexports, or transfers of computing hardware (like semiconductors and servers) for AI data centers or large-scale AI use to countries lacking similar safety laws.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new nationwide moratorium on data center construction tied to future AI safeguards, which does not currently exist in federal law.
- Creates mandatory federal oversight and approval processes for AI products and data center operations.
- Establishes new export restrictions on computing hardware linked to foreign AI regulations.
- Adds ongoing reporting and verification duties for the Department of Energy not previously required for these facilities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Expands roles for the Department of Energy in monitoring and reporting, and the Department of Commerce in enforcing export controls; may require new permitting and compliance processes.
- Citizens: Could delay AI-related infrastructure and job creation in some areas while aiming to protect against utility cost increases, environmental harm, and job displacement; communities gain approval rights for future projects.
- International Relations: Restricts technology exports to countries without matching AI regulations, potentially affecting global supply chains and trade with nations lacking similar rules.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Technology companies and data center operators involved in AI development.
- Workers in manufacturing, tech, and related industries.
- Local communities near proposed data centers.
- Federal agencies including the Departments of Energy and Commerce.
- Utility providers and environmental groups.
- International technology exporters and foreign governments.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Raises questions about federal authority over private construction projects and potential limits on interstate commerce.
- Ties domestic policy to international export rules, which could intersect with existing trade laws.
- Emphasizes labor standards and community input in future projects, shifting some decision-making to local levels.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (13 pages)