Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act (S. 4214)

Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act

This bill prohibits building or upgrading artificial intelligence (AI) data centers until laws regulating AI and AI data centers are enacted. It also restricts the export of AI-related computing hardware to countries without similar laws in effect.

Specifically, no AI data center may be constructed or upgraded until laws are enacted (1) subjecting AI products to prerelease federal review and approval for safety and effectiveness, and (2) ensuring that AI-related economic gains benefit workers and the people of the United States (including by preventing AI-related job loss). 

Further, with respect to AI data centers built or upgraded after the moratorium ends, these laws must ensure

• such centers do not increase consumers’ utility bills and do not harm the environment;
• affected communities are empowered to approve or reject construction or upgrades;
• such centers create union jobs subject to labor standards; and
• no government subsidy is provided for the construction, upgrade, or operation of such centers.

Under the bill, the term AI data center includes collocated structures and equipment under common ownership or control used for AI development or operation that meet certain power and design specifications.

Additionally, the Department of Commerce must prohibit the export, reexport, or in-country transfer of specified computing hardware for AI-related use to any country that does not have comparable laws or regulations in effect.

Finally, the Department of Energy must periodically report on AI data centers’ funding sources, energy and water use, and labor.