Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Restrict AI Data Centers

Lawmakers have introduced multiple bills aimed at restricting or investigating AI data centers. The measures address local approval authority, energy sourcing, and environmental reviews. Rob Bresnahan introduced the Local Control Protection Act, which would limit companies' ability to sue municipalities that reject data center applications.

"We should never let billion-dollar corporations supersede the voices of those who live in the community," Bresnahan said. Matt Van Epps introduced the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act on June 11, 2026. The bill would allow data center owners to use certain anti-drone systems.

Energy and Cost Measures Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen.

Richard Blumenthal introduced the GRID Act, which would require new data centers to use off-grid power sources. Existing facilities would have ten years to transition. Mike Levin and Kathy Castor introduced the SHIELD Act in January 2026. The bill would require large electricity users to cover grid upgrade costs and incentivize zero-emission power sources.

Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced legislation in March 2026 directing the Department of Energy to study environmental, economic, and public health impacts of data centers.

Bernie Sanders introduced a moratorium bill in March 2025. LaMonica McIver introduced the AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act in April 2026. Meta contributed $45 million to the American Technology Excellence Project and launched a super PAC expected to spend $65 million.

Google donated $5 million to the California Leads committee. An industry group called Innovation Council Action plans to spend $100 million on the 2026 midterms. A Financial Times survey released June 4, 2026, found 26 percent of Americans support increased data center construction.