The surge in data center construction across the United States has sparked a political backlash as lawmakers grapple with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI). Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation that would halt new projects with peak power loads over 20 megawatts until comprehensive AI regulations are enacted.

The proposal follows remarks from tech giants like Elon Musk, who has expressed his concerns about the dangers of AI exceeding nuclear weapons. Other industry leaders such as Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei and Sam Altman have also called for stricter oversight on AI development.

A Pew Research poll conducted in March found that a majority of Americans are more worried than excited by the rise of AI, with only 10% expressing enthusiasm. However, heavy lobbying from tech companies and global competition may complicate efforts to pass such legislation.

The lawmakers aim for a thorough review and certification process before new models are released, protection against job displacement, environmental sustainability in data infrastructure construction, and prohibitions on the export of advanced chips to countries lacking similar regulations. This bid appears to be an initial step towards shaping AI regulation in the US.