WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Terri Sewell is backing Democratic legislation to temporarily pause construction of all data centers until Congress sets national standards for the massive facilities that fuel online consumption.
The rapid expansion of data centers to meet the rising demands of artificial intelligence has sparked intense discussions on the state and national levels as the centers require massive amounts of energy and water to operate. Alabama boasts 27 operating or planned data centers, according to Cleanview, which tracks the facilities.
On Tuesday, Sewell announced she is a cosponsor of the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would stop new construction and large expansions of AI data centers until a federal framework is established “to protect workers, communities, natural resources, and consumers while ensuring the benefits of AI are broadly shared.”
The Democratic measure, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is a dramatic step to curb the rapid expansion of the energy- and water-guzzling centers. The House bill coincides with similar legislation in the Senate led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
In a statement, Sewell said her constituents have raised concerns about how large data centers will impact “their neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.”
“They are asking thoughtful, commonsense questions about water use, energy demands, environmental impacts, and whether local communities will truly benefit from these developments. I share their concerns,” the Birmingham Democrat said.
At the same time, the congresswoman highlighted that she is not “anti-Al” or “anti-innovation.” Rather, she wants to allow time for federal policy to be implemented to safeguard communities before more centers pop up nationwide.
“The bill simply says, let’s put common sense guardrails in place before this expansion continues,” Sewell said in video remarks.
Twelve House Democrats have signaled their support for the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, but in a Republican-controlled Congress, the legislation would be difficult to advance this year.
Sewell added that new data centers can drain local resources such as water and electricity, especially in underserved communities.
“As we build the economy of tomorrow, we must ensure that innovation lifts up every community rather than leaving some to bear the costs,” she said. “Responsible innovation and community protection are not competing goals—they are complementary ones.”
Earlier this month, the Alabama Public Commission asked for public input on how it should evaluate data centers going forward as the state grapples with managing the new infrastructure.