Democrats call for national data center moratorium after midterm election wins

Who's involved

• Bernie SandersU.S. Senator (I-Vermont), caucuses with Democrats
• Yassamin AnsariU.S. Representative (D-Arizona)
• Greg CasarU.S. Representative (D-Texas), chair of Congressional Progressive Caucus
• Annie AndrewsU.S. Senator-elect (D-South Carolina)
• Sherrod BrownU.S. Senator-elect (D-Ohio)
• Josh ShapiroGovernor of Pennsylvania

The facts

• Voters approved referendums restricting data centers across the U.S. on Nov. 5.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• 56% of voters said AI and data centers were crucial or major factors in ballot decisions.¹
• Of voters citing AI and data centers as crucial, 65% cast ballots for Democratic congressional candidates.¹
• Chip stocks declined after the election amid concerns about Democratic impact on data center construction.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signed an executive order in August to slow data center development.¹

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Bernie Sanders Americans do not want Big Tech oligarchs wrecking environment, gutting jobs, threatening humanity's future.^{1 2}
• Yassamin Ansari Pausing AI development must be top priority for House Democratic majority on Day 1.^{1 2}
• Annie Andrews Voters chose South Carolina where community decisions are made by residents, not Washington billionaires or data center companies.^{1 2}
• Sherrod Brown I do not work for data centers.^{1 2}