Direct source

H.R. 9442 proposes a conditional moratorium on AI data centres

The bill would stop construction or upgrading of covered facilities until specified safeguards are enacted and Congress expressly ends the pause.

Evidence explainer

What this establishes

The proposal ties new compute infrastructure to prior federal action on product review, workers, consumers, climate and community consent.

Why it matters: It turns infrastructure constraints into a direct federal policy ask rather than a reporting or permitting reform alone.

Limits and context: The measure is introduced legislation and has not passed either chamber of Congress.

H.R. 9442 · Section 3(b)

The construction or upgrading of new or existing artificial intelligence data centers may not commence or proceed until—

Electricity, water, local consent and national competitiveness are turning compute infrastructure into a policy fight.

Pause construction or upgrading of covered AI data centres until Congress enacts specified safeguards and expressly terminates the moratorium.

A House bill proposing a conditional moratorium on construction or upgrading of covered AI data centres.

H.R. 9442 was introduced and referred to House committees.