Rep. Sewell Cosponsors Legislation to Pause AI Data Center Construction Until Federal Guardrails are Established

Washington D.C. - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced today that she has cosponsored the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, legislation to temporarily pause the construction and expansion of large artificial intelligence data centers until Congress establishes comprehensive federal safeguards to protect workers, communities, natural resources, and consumers while ensuring the benefits of AI are broadly shared.

The legislation responds to the rapid nationwide expansion of AI data centers whose enormous demands for water and other public resources are raising concerns in communities across the country, including in Alabama's 7th Congressional District.

Watch Rep. Sewell's video message here.

"Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize health care, strengthen our economy, improve education, and solve some of our nation's greatest challenges," said Rep. Sewell. "I want America to lead the world in AI innovation, and I want Alabama to compete for the industries of the future. But innovation cannot come at the expense of the communities it is meant to serve."

"I have heard from countless residents from across Alabama's 7th Congressional District who are deeply concerned about the impact that large-scale AI data centers could have on their neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life," continued Sewell. "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."

Rep. Sewell emphasized that the legislation is not intended to halt technological progress permanently, but rather to ensure that public policy keeps pace with the rapid advancement of AI.

"I am not anti-AI, and I am certainly not anti-innovation," Sewell continued. "The rate at which these massive data centers are being constructed is simply outpacing our ability to establish meaningful protections for the communities that will host them. Congress has a responsibility to put commonsense federal guardrails in place so that every community-not just a select few-shares in the benefits of this technological revolution."

The AI Data Center Moratorium Act would temporarily pause new AI data center construction and major expansions while Congress develops a comprehensive federal framework addressing environmental impacts, energy and water consumption, labor standards, consumer privacy, community engagement, and equitable economic development.

Rep. Sewell noted that communities across Alabama's 7th Congressional District have increasingly expressed concerns about the unprecedented scale of proposed AI infrastructure and the potential strain on local resources.

"For too long, underserved communities have been asked to shoulder disproportionate environmental and economic burdens while others reap the rewards," Sewell said. "As we build the economy of tomorrow, we must ensure that innovation lifts up every community rather than leaving some to bear the costs. Responsible innovation and community protection are not competing goals-they are complementary ones."

The AI Data Center Moratorium Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of environmental justice, labor, consumer protection, and community advocacy organizations committed to ensuring the responsible development of artificial intelligence infrastructure.

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