Sanders and AOC have data centers in crosshairs, but research raises doubts about their criticisms

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., teamed up on a proposed moratorium on data centers. The measure would "enact a reasonable pause" in the development of such facilities. Ocasio-Cortez said in an announcement on the bill that AI poses an "existential harm" to our society. The two lawmakers demand that "billionaire Big Tech oligarchs" not be allowed to harm health and safety, that AI should be developed for the benefit of workers and not the wealthy, and that data centers should not impact electricity costs.

The first two points tie socialist ideals to topical concerns, which was the same strategy the pair used to advance the 2019 Green New Deal that sought to address climate change with a host of progressive measures and ultimately failed.