Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has called for a federal data center moratorium, joining Democrats who have proposed pausing data center development while Congress works on regulations.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called for a federal data center moratorium in a post on X listing priorities for Senate Republicans over the next six weeks. The post read: "DEFUND Planned Parenthood MORATORIUM on data centers SUSPEND the gas tax FUND rural hospitals SAVE AMERICA ACT."
A spokesperson for Hawley told the Washington Examiner, "Senator Hawley is calling for a federal data center moratorium until Congress passes a bill of rights giving taxpayers guarantees of no rate increases." The Washington Examiner reported that Hawley's call is the first of its kind among congressional Republicans.
Hawley introduced the No Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act in September to stop major tech companies from receiving special tax breaks when they develop in low-income communities. He has also sponsored the GRID Act, along with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which would prevent data centers from driving up electricity costs.
Some Democrats have also called for a temporary ban on data center development while lawmakers pass regulations. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced a bill in March to pause new data center development as lawmakers work on regulations for artificial intelligence. House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) has also called for a national moratorium on data centers.
Data centers face growing opposition from voters and elected officials. Voters rejected data center development and supported limits on construction through ballot measures in the midterm elections, and elected officials who campaigned on reining in data center development won office, including newly elected Gov. Gina Hinojosa (D-TX).
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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