Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) called for a federal data center moratorium as part of a broad list of GOP priorities over the next six weeks, becoming the first Republican in the Senate to join Democrats in backing such a policy.
“Senate Republicans trying to figure out what to do in the next 6 weeks?” Hawley wrote on X. “Here you go: DEFUND Planned Parenthood MORATORIUM on data centers SUSPEND the gas tax FUND rural hospitals SAVE AMERICA ACT.”
While a number of congressional Republicans, including Hawley, have called for imposing rules on data center development, Hawley’s call for a moratorium is the first of its kind.
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.”
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.
As public opinion has turned against data centers, some Republicans at the state level have backed moratoriums. So too did some candidates, such as Mike Rogers, a Republican, who lost a bid for a Senate seat in Michigan.
DATA CENTERS FACE UPHILL BATTLE WITH INCOMING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS
Voters clearly displayed their opposition to data centers in the midterm elections.
For instance, voters rejected data center development and supported limits on construction through ballot measures. Americans also voted for elected officials who campaigned on reining in data center development, including newly elected Gov. Gina Hinojosa (D-TX).
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
