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# US political landscape on AI, as of 13 September 2026

Research brief for a stage talk in Canada. Goal: be exact and even-handed about the claim that there is "a Democratic push that is anti-AI," and about what Republicans are doing. Every dated bullet has a URL. Quotes are verbatim from primary text where marked with quotation marks.

## 0. Frame: three different things people lump together as "anti-AI"

| Bucket | What it does | Who is doing it (Sep 2026) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Anti-AI (moratoria, bans, pauses)** | Halts construction or development until conditions are met | Sanders/Ocasio-Cortez moratorium (I-VT / D-NY-14; 9 House cosponsors); Sanders/Casar superintelligence ban; Rep. Pallone (D-NJ) verbal support; NY Gov. Hochul's 1-year hyperscale permit pause (D); MAGA-populist "Humans First" (Bannon/Kremer); Michigan GOP-led moratorium bill (not passed) |
| **Pro-safety-regulation (testing, transparency, audits)** | Requires disclosure, evaluation, incident reporting, sometimes pre-deployment review | Bipartisan: Hawley–Blumenthal (R/D), Durbin–Hawley, Cruz–Klobuchar–Thune Senate draft, Obernolte–Trahan FRONTIER Act (R/D); California SB 53 / SB 813 / AB 1405 (D); NY RAISE Act (D); Cantwell (D) demands national-lab testing |
| **Pro-consumer / energy (utility bills, siting)** | Makes data centers pay for grid costs, adds siting/water rules, pauses tax breaks | Bipartisan and cross-state: House Ratepayer Protection Act (Evans R / Castor D, 52–0 in committee); Trump's voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge; DeSantis (R-FL) SB 484; Shapiro (D-PA) EO; Pritzker (D-IL) incentive pause; Abbott (R-TX) "audit" |

Bottom line for the speaker: the moratorium camp is real but small and mostly progressive; it is not the position of Democratic leadership; the bipartisan center of gravity is safety regulation plus ratepayer protection; Republicans are split between federal preemption (Cruz, White House) and populist restriction (Hawley, Bannon, DeSantis, local GOP officials).

---

## 1. Federal Democratic bills and positions (2026)

### 1a. Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act (Sanders / Ocasio-Cortez) — the "anti-AI" flagship

- **25 Mar 2026** — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) announce the bill; Sanders introduces the Senate version, **S. 4214**. Sanders: "We need a federal moratorium on AI data centers." Ocasio-Cortez: "Congress has a moral obligation to stand with the American people and stop the expansion of these data centers until we have a framework to adequately address the existential harm AI poses to our society." Press release: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-ocasio-cortez-announce-ai-data-center-moratorium-act/ ; Senate bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4214
- **24 Jun 2026** — Ocasio-Cortez introduces the House companion, **H.R. 9442**, referred to Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs. Nine cosponsors, all Democrats: André Carson (IN-07), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9442 ; AOC release: https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-introduces-house-version-ai-data-center-moratorium-act
- **Exact text of the federal pre-release "review and approve" clause** (H.R. 9442, Sec. 3(b), introduced text): "(b) Moratorium.—Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the construction or upgrading of new or existing artificial intelligence data centers may not commence or proceed until— (1) 1 or more laws are enacted that ensure that— (A) the Federal Government shall review and approve artificial intelligence products before those products are released, for the purpose of ensuring that those products are safe and effective and do not threaten the health and well-being of working families, privacy and civil rights, and the future of humanity; (B) the economic gains of artificial intelligence and robotics will benefit workers, not just the wealthy owners of Big Tech companies … and (C) with respect to any artificial intelligence data center built or upgraded after the termination of the moratorium … (i) the artificial intelligence data center does not increase utility or electricity bills of consumers; (ii) … does not exacerbate the threat of climate change or harm the environment; (iii) communities that would be affected … are empowered to approve or reject the construction …; (iv) no government subsidy is provided …; and (v) the artificial intelligence data center creates union jobs with strong labor standards". Text: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr9442/BILLS-119hr9442ih.htm
- The bill also bans exports of "computing infrastructure hardware" for AI data-center end-use "to or in any country that does not have in effect statutes or regulations that are comparable to the laws described in section 3(b)(1)" (Sec. 4). Same URL.
- Scope (per Sanders section-by-section summary as reported): facilities over ~20 MW using liquid-cooled racks rated ≥20 kW. Secondary report: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/ocasio-cortez-and-sanders-introduce-ai-data-center-moratorium-act/
- **Status 13 Sep 2026**: both bills sit in committee; no hearing, no markup, no leadership endorsement. H.R. 9442 tracker shows "Introduced" only.
- **3 Sep 2026** — Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) announce a separate **Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act** (prohibit superintelligent systems; pause advanced development until federal safety rules exist; criminal penalties up to 20 years). Reported in secondary coverage (Semafor/Nextgov roundups, 11–12 Sep 2026); primary press release and bill number not fetched — flagged in §7.

### 1b. Democratic leadership and committee Democrats

- **1 Jul 2026** — E&E News/POLITICO: House Minority Leader **Hakeem Jeffries** (D-NY) on the moratorium: "That's certainly not a position that I've articulated at this moment." He said he had not discussed it with Pallone. https://www.eenews.net/articles/data-center-moratorium-still-has-few-takers-on-capitol-hill/
- **Late Jun 2026** — Energy & Commerce ranking member **Frank Pallone** (D-NJ) endorsed a federal pause during committee debate, "making him the highest-ranking federal lawmaker with jurisdiction over energy and the environment to back the idea." He "wouldn't say whether he would pursue the nationwide data center moratorium should he take over the Energy and Commerce Committee." Same E&E URL.
- **Jul 2026** — E&E: Pallone "plans to first pursue 'federal guardrails' on data center development through pollution rules, siting standards and ratepayer protections should he once again become chair." https://www.eenews.net/articles/pallone-plots-data-center-crackdown/
- **Kathy Castor** (D-FL), top Democrat on the energy subcommittee, opposes a moratorium: "I don't think you can say, 'We're going to just stop everything now.'" She co-sponsors the bipartisan **Ratepayer Protection Act, H.R. 9340** (introduced 18 Jun 2026 by Rep. Gabe Evans, R-CO, with Castor); approved 52–0 in E&C; scheduled for House floor the week of 14 Sep 2026. Bill text: https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20260914/H.R.%209340,%20Ratepayer%20Protection%20Act.pdf ; E&E: https://www.eenews.net/articles/data-center-lobby-grumbles-about-reworked-ratepayer-protection-act-2/
- **Sep 2026** — NOTUS: "Jeffries … could be on a collision course with progressives" demanding a moratorium; Pallone "supports a moratorium but has not committed to pushing one if he chairs the committee next year"; Castor "opposes a moratorium." Jeffries' office declined to comment. https://www.notus.org/congress/jeffries-data-centers-progressives-moratorium
- **Select committee proposals**: Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) "suggested the Senate establish a select committee on AI" (Washington Times, Sep 2026, after AI-researcher resignation/whistleblower warnings). No House Democratic leadership proposal for a select committee on AI was found. https://www.washingtontimes.com/ (article: "Congressional interest for regulating AI grows after whistleblower warnings of risks to humanity", Sep 2026)
- **Jul 2026** — House Democrats (led by Rep. Sam Liccardo, D-CA) urged Speaker Johnson to keep the House in session until AI safeguards pass (POLITICO, cited in secondary summary). Flagged for primary confirmation in §7.

### 1c. Bipartisan Hawley–Blumenthal / Durbin–Hawley bills (pro-safety-regulation, not anti-AI)

- **29 Sep 2025** — **S. 2938, Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act of 2025** (Hawley, R-MO, for himself and Blumenthal, D-CT). Creates an "Advanced Artificial Intelligence Evaluation Program" at DOE; developers must submit models and information; "(b) PROHIBITION ON DEPLOYMENT.—No person may deploy an advanced artificial intelligence system for use in interstate or foreign commerce unless that person is in compliance with subsection (a)." Penalty "not less than $1,000,000 per day." https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2938
- **29 Sep 2025** — **S. 2937, AI LEAD Act** (Durbin, D-IL, for himself and Hawley): federal product-liability cause of action against AI developers/deployers. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2937
- **28 Oct 2025** — **S. 3062, GUARD Act** (Hawley; Blumenthal cosponsor): bans AI companions for minors, age verification, criminal penalties. Reported from Judiciary and **placed on the Senate calendar 11 May 2026 (Calendar No. 406)** — the furthest any AI safety bill has advanced in the Senate this Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3062
- **5 Aug 2026** — Hawley chairs Senate Judiciary hearing on AI-driven "surveillance pricing." Transcript: https://www.rev.com/ (search "Senate Hearing Surveillance Pricing", 5 Aug 2026).
- **9–10 Sep 2026** — Hawley letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on the July "agent breakout" incident, calling OpenAI's handling "reckless," answers due 1 Oct 2026 (reported by Semafor and others). Secondary: https://www.thehill.com/ (see §7).

### 1d. Other Senate Democrats

- **Cantwell (D-WA), Commerce ranking member** — Sep 2026 statement: "Republicans are suddenly waking up to the urgent need for tough AI safety rules, a sharp reversal from last year when House Republicans and Chairman Cruz tried to impose a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulations that the tech bros wanted. … But the answer is not a weak federal standard that becomes a backdoor for wiping out stronger state protections. Meaningful legislation would require the most powerful AI models undergo testing by scientists and experts at our national laboratories to assess whether they could enable sophisticated cyberattacks or aid the development of biological or nuclear weapons." (Washington Times, Sep 2026; also Nextgov/FCW 11 Sep 2026.) Position: pro-mandatory-testing, anti-broad-preemption; not anti-AI.
- **Schatz (D-HI)** — 2026 **AI Labeling Act** (with Sen. Curtis, R-UT, and Sen. Warner, D-VA): disclosure/labeling of AI-generated content. Text (introduced 2026): https://www.congress.gov/ (search "AI Labeling Act of 2026" Schatz). Pro-transparency.
- **Markey (D-MA)** — **9 Jun 2026**: introduces **S. 4727, AI Environmental Impacts Act of 2026** (with Van Hollen, Wyden, Booker et al.) — data centers report environmental/energy impacts, fines for noncompliance. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4727 — **10 Jul 2026**: releases "**AI Accountability Agenda: Taking Power Back from Big Tech**" — six priorities (workers; children/teens; civil rights; healthcare; data-center energy/environment; "Sharing the AI Wealth"), plus a discussion draft "Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act" requiring a federal certificate before data-center construction. Not a moratorium; a licensing/certification model. https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-the-ai-accountability-agenda-taking-power-back-from-big-tech ; PDF: https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ai_accountability_agenda.pdf
- **Warren (D-MA)** — 2026 emphasis on taxing AI companies/data centers, an "AI Bubble Transparency Act" (financial-stability disclosure), and jobs. Pro-consumer/financial-regulation; not anti-AI. (Primary URL not captured — §7.)
- **Klobuchar (D-MN)** — co-negotiator of the Senate frontier-AI bill (§2): "We cannot allow the release of dangerous models, including those that evade the control of their developers." (POLITICO / Nextgov / HuffPost, 11 Sep 2026.)

### 1e. Democratic messaging on AI, jobs, and utility bills

- **17 Aug 2026** — Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown (D) runs an ad calling Sen. Jon Husted (R) the "face of data centers." https://www.wosu.org/2026-08-17/ohios-u-s-senate-candidates-recalibrate-their-stances-on-data-centers
- **Jul 2026** — Sanders on X: "AI super PACs, funded by Big Tech oligarchs, are spending tens of millions to buy our elections." (DC/ai Decoded, 27 Jul 2026: https://dcaidecoded.substack.com/ )
- **Texas governor's race** — Democrat Gina Hinojosa attacks Gov. Abbott (R) as too sympathetic to data centers (NBC DFW, cited by Brookings). https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-data-centers-are-a-top-issue-in-the-2026-midterms/
- **DNC / platform**: the operative document is still the **2024 Democratic Party Platform** (Chicago). It calls for AI "guardrails," protecting workers and civil rights, and US leadership; it contains **no moratorium language**. No separate 2026 DNC AI platform exists; the DNC has issued messaging on affordability/utility bills but not an anti-AI plank. https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/

---

## 2. The Senate negotiation (Reuters, 11 Sep 2026)

- **What Reuters reported (11 Sep 2026, Courtney Rozen)**: Senate negotiators are discussing a "duty of care" for developers of the most capable models to design against "catastrophic risks"; "are aiming" to give the US government power to block release of certain models deemed unsafe, with companies able to challenge in federal court; and a clause blocking states from enforcing their own laws on certain AI risks (e.g., bio/nuclear misuse). "All of it is still being negotiated." https://www.reuters.com/ (article: "US Senate negotiators consider requiring AI firms to mitigate known major risks", 11 Sep 2026)
- **Who is negotiating**: Majority Leader **John Thune** (R-SD), Commerce Chair **Ted Cruz** (R-TX), Sen. **Amy Klobuchar** (D-MN). **Cantwell** (D-WA, Commerce ranking member) is the principal Democratic holdout, demanding mandatory national-lab testing and narrower preemption. Blackburn (R-TN) is not reported as a principal; Schatz is not reported as a principal.
- **Cruz on record, 9 Sep 2026 (ABC's The View)**: risks are "frightening"; bill would require "government supervision and approval" of models; "It is possible, but it ain't easy. This is a very divided time." (HuffPost.) Cruz on X: working with Klobuchar and Thune "on legislation to address catastrophic risks involving biological or nuclear threats."
- **Competing accounts of the mechanism**: POLITICO (Owen Dahlkamp, 11 Sep 2026, four sources) — labs disclose advanced capabilities and mitigations to Commerce before release; Commerce could seek a federal injunction; "Without an injunction, the AI labs would be able to determine whether to release a model and not be subject to a pre-approval regime." Nextgov/FCW (11 Sep) — a Democratic aide: the Cruz–Klobuchar–Thune version is "primarily a voluntary standard type situation"; a draft supporter: "Republicans have created legal duties for companies to manage catastrophic risks and ensure that government can verify they are doing so."
- **Timeline**: Semafor (10 Sep) — text could be introduced as early as the week of 14 Sep; sources call it "the only viable option to stand a chance before 2027." Reuters: House in session only ~1 week before 3 Nov; Senate ~3 weeks. A pre-August Commerce markup was cancelled. Realistic pre-election outcomes: introduction, possibly a Commerce markup; lame-duck action is possible but no leader has committed to it.
- **Supporters/opponents**: **OpenAI** (Chris Lehane, 9 Sep 2026) publicly asks for "mandatory, capability-based national AI safety regulation" aimed at "the handful of well-resourced laboratories developing the most capable systems," while continuing to back state bills (SB 53, RAISE, IL SB 315). https://www.thehill.com/ ("OpenAI pushes for mandatory safety requirements after rogue agent breakouts", Sep 2026). **Anthropic** has "not taken a position" and is giving feedback (Semafor). **a16z / Leading the Future** back preemption ("national regulatory framework") and oppose state laws. **Bipartisan state AGs and state legislators** oppose federal preemption (letters opposing the Great American AI Act, 2026). **Cantwell** and AI-safety groups oppose the current draft's testing design and preemption scope.
- **How it relates to the House**: **H.R. 9925, FRONTIER Act** (Obernolte R-CA / Trahan D-MA, introduced 23 Jul 2026) — safety frameworks, independent verification organizations, incident reporting, Commerce emergency orders for "imminent catastrophic risk," and preemption of state laws on frontier catastrophic-risk transparency/auditing/incident reporting with carve-outs for deployment and child safety; no sunset. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9925 . Earlier discussion draft: **Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026** (Obernolte/Trahan, 2 Jun 2026) with a broader "(b) PREEMPTION.—No State or political subdivision…" clause.

---

## 3. Republican side

### 3a. Preemption track (White House, Cruz)

- **11 Dec 2025** — **Executive Order 14365, "Eliminating State Law Obstruction of National Artificial Intelligence Policy"**: directs the Attorney General to create an **AI Litigation Task Force** "whose sole responsibility shall be to challenge State AI laws" inconsistent with a "minimally burdensome national policy framework"; Commerce to identify "onerous" state laws; conditions on BEAD funds; asks Congress for a preemptive framework. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/eliminating-state-law-obstruction-of-national-artificial-intelligence-policy/
- **2026 status of the Task Force**: first major action was **Colorado** — xAI sued 9 Apr 2026; **DOJ filed a complaint in intervention 24 Apr 2026** (Civil Action No. 1:26-cv-01515, D. Colo.), alleging compelled speech and race/sex-conscious obligations; **27 Apr 2026** stipulated stay of enforcement pending rulemaking. https://www.mcdermottlaw.com/insights/colorado-ai-law-in-flux-comprehensive-replacement-bill-signed-after-federal-court-blocks-predecessors-enforcement/ . No DOJ suit against California SB 53 or NY RAISE had been filed as of 13 Sep 2026 (none found).
- **1 Jul 2025** — Senate votes **99–1** to strip the 10-year state AI moratorium from the reconciliation bill (Cruz backed it; Blackburn's amendment removed it). https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00370.htm
- **10 Sep 2025** — Cruz introduces **S. 2750, SANDBOX Act**: lets AI developers apply to OSTP for waivers/modifications of federal regulations for up to 2 years, renewable up to 10; part of his "light-touch" framework. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2750 . Status: in Commerce; no markup.
- **White House "national AI legislative framework"**: the December EO directed Commerce/OSTP to propose legislation; in 2026 the administration promoted a "national framework" line, but **no White House bill text has been published**; the Cruz–Klobuchar–Thune draft is now the administration-adjacent vehicle. (§7 flags this.)
- **Jun 2026** — Trump signs an executive order creating a **voluntary** system under which AI companies "can share models with the government for risk analysis prior to public release," primarily aimed at cybersecurity (Washington Times, Sep 2026). CNBC, The Hill and the Guardian reported in August that the testing framework itself was not made public. (EO number — cited in earlier research as EO 14409 — unverified here; §7.)

### 3b. Personnel

- **26 Mar 2026** — **David Sacks** steps down as White House AI and crypto czar, telling Bloomberg he had "used up" the 130-day special-government-employee limit: "I had a role as a SGE that was 130 days … we've now used up that time." He becomes **co-chair of PCAST** alongside OSTP Director **Michael Kratsios**. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5026959-venture-capitalist-david-sacks-white-house/ (The Hill, 27 Mar 2026)
- **No one was named "AI czar" to replace him.** Kratsios (OSTP) is the senior AI policy official. Senior AI adviser **Sriram Krishnan** departed **30 Jun 2026** with no announced replacement (earlier research; §7).

### 3c. Populist / restrictionist Republicans

- **Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO)** — S. 2938 (pre-deployment evaluation, DOE program), GUARD Act (on calendar), AI LEAD Act (liability), 2026 op-ed on jobs and data centers, Aug 2026 surveillance-pricing hearing, Sep 2026 OpenAI letter. He is the clearest GOP pro-regulation voice; he is not for a moratorium.
- **Steve Bannon / "Humans First"** — **23 Jul 2026**, War Room Episode 5539 "MAGA Nationwide Protest Over Data Centers," with Amy Kremer as chair of Humans First: "I think this is probably the most important fight I've ever been in my life." … "I think that AI will probably lead to the end of the world." Bannon frames the data-center fight as MAGA populism vs. "tech oligarchs." https://warroom.org/ (transcript: "Episode 5539: MAGA Nationwide Protest Over Data Centers")
- **Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)** — has attacked data centers and AI job loss in 2025–26 posts and aligned with the Bannon/Humans First critique; no bill of hers found. (§7 — specific 2026 statement/URL not captured.)
- **Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL)** — **7 May 2026** signs **Florida SB 484** at Florida Poly: "you should not pay one more red cent for electricity because of a hyperscale data center as an individual." He mocked the federal pledge: "you're now seeing that rhetorically, but you're not seeing that actually be implemented." He also criticized last year's federal moratorium attempt for trying to "override local zoning." https://www.fox13news.com/ (7 May 2026, "DeSantis signs bill pushing tougher rules on large-scale data centers"). DeSantis separately pushed a Florida "AI Bill of Rights" (chatbot/child-safety, data) in the 2026 session — bucket: pro-consumer/pro-safety, not anti-AI.
- **Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX)** — endorsed an "audit" of data-center development to "stop [a] rural revolt" (Houston Chronicle, Aug 2026). Trump publicly called Abbott's stance a "mistake." https://www.foxnews.com/politics/backwards-poor-trump-issues-dire-warning-communities-blocking-critical-technology
- **GOP candidates against data centers**: Washington Post analysis (23 Aug 2026) of 2024–26 posts found "most GOP politicians now talk negatively about data centers," Republicans more negative than Democrats. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/08/23/most-gop-politicians-now-talk-negatively-about-data-centers-data-shows/ . Michigan's moratorium bills (HB 5594–5596, Feb 2026) are GOP-sponsored (Wortz, Fox) with some Democratic cosponsors (Wegela, Byrnes).
- **Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)** — Mar 2026 "TRUMP AMERICA AI Act" discussion draft: children/creators protections, limited preemption. Killed the 2025 moratorium via her amendment. (§7 for URL.)

### 3d. Trump statements, Aug–Sep 2026 (pro-buildout; ratepayer pledge)

- **4 Mar 2026** — White House launches the voluntary **Ratepayer Protection Pledge** (hyperscalers commit to fund/build energy infrastructure for their demand). https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-advances-energy-affordability-with-the-ratepayer-protection-pledge/
- **23 Jul 2026** — Trump roundtable: "more than 220 utilities, tech companies, State governments, and other partners have signed our Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Electricity rates for 80 percent of the power distributed in America are now being kept in check by the plan." https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-roundtable-discussion-the-ratepayer-protection-pledge
- **20 Aug 2026 (aired 23 Aug)** — Trump to Michael Cohen: "communities that don't take a data center, they're making a mistake … I'm letting them build their own power plants." https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/08/24/donald-trump-data-centers-mistake/91438730007/
- **31 Aug 2026** — Truth Social: "The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor. If they want to be successful and rich, with far lower taxes and jobs all over the place, let Data Reign. … If we kill the Golden Goose, you will only have yourselves to blame. China could not be happier with this anti Data Center movement." https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/trump-data-centers-support-backwards-poor-elections-20260901.html ; https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-data-centers-golden-goose-communities-poor-2026-8
- **Sep 2026** — Trump at EPA event on energy prices: communities that want data centers "are the smart communities"; they bring "tremendous numbers of jobs" with "very little actual disruption." https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/videos/4494705567452482/
- Read-across: the President is unambiguously pro-buildout and anti-moratorium, while his own party's governors (DeSantis, Abbott) and senators (Hawley) impose or seek restrictions. Brookings notes the pledge "is voluntary" and "enforcement lies with the states." https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-pledge-to-protect-ratepayers-from-ai-data-center-costs-needs-enforcement/

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## 4. State laws (D = Democratic-led, R = Republican-led)

### California (D)
- **29 Sep 2025** — **SB 53, Transparency in Frontier AI Act** signed (Wiener). Frontier developers (>10^26 FLOP training) publish safety frameworks, report critical incidents to OES, whistleblower protections. In force 1 Jan 2026; no DOJ challenge filed as of 13 Sep 2026. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB53
- **13 Oct 2025** — **SB 243** (companion chatbots; Padilla) signed. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB243
- **9 Sep 2026** — Newsom signs **SB 813** (McNerney: framework for independent verification organizations; GovOps to set criteria by 2028; **voluntary**) and **AB 1405** (Bauer-Kahan: state registry and independence standards for AI auditors). His office: the federal government "must step forward with robust, national regulations." https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/09/governor-newsom-signs-first-in-the-nation-ai-safeguards-to-protect-californians-calls-on-the-federal-government-to-do-its-part/
- **AB 1018 (automated decision systems, Bauer-Kahan)** — amended in Senate 28 Aug 2026; on Senate third reading 30 Aug 2026; **not enrolled as of 13 Sep 2026**. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1018
- Signing deadline for enrolled 2026 bills: **30 Sep 2026**. No 2026 California data-center moratorium was enacted; no new open-weights bill was enacted.

### New York (D)
- **19 Dec 2025** — **RAISE Act** (Bores/Gounardes) signed with an agreed chapter amendment; **S. 8828** (Gounardes) chapter amendment passed the Senate 20 Jan 2026 and substituted in the Assembly 25 Feb 2026. Requires large frontier developers to publish safety protocols and report incidents; enforcement by AG; effective date pushed to **1 Jan 2027** per the chapter amendment (the amendment text states "shall take effect immediately; provided, however …" with substantive provisions tied to the 2027 date). https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S08828 ; https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8828
- **Jun 2026** — Legislature passes **Responsible Data Center Development Act (S. 10642)**: "Places a one year moratorium on the issuance of data center permits" for hyperscale facilities (peak demand ≥20 MW). Not yet signed/vetoed as of 13 Sep 2026. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S10642
- **13 Jul 2026** — **Gov. Hochul** imposes the nation's first statewide freeze by executive action: pause on state environmental permits for new "hyperscale" data centers (**≥50 MW**) for "up to" one year while the state writes a framework; also backs repealing the sales-tax exemption for large data centers. Hochul: "As data center development threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers, it's my responsibility to take action and lead." https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/first-statewide-moratorium-new-hyperscale-data-centers-launched-governor-kathy-hochul ; https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5966562-new-york-ai-data-center-moratorium/
- Data Center Coalition (industry): the moratorium "will ensure that those investments, jobs, and economic activity flow elsewhere rather than to New York." Same Hill URL.

### Pennsylvania (D)
- **18 Aug 2026** — **Gov. Shapiro** signs an executive order imposing new rules on siting/authorization of AI data centers ("GRID" — Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development — requirements; template consent order rev. 08/18/2026 requires developers to specify MW demand, generation, and an "Alternative Compliance Payment" per MWh). Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/pennsylvania-governor-signs-order-imposing-new-rules-set-up-ai-data-centers-2026-08-18/ ; Axios on his pivot after GOP opponent attacks: https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/josh-shapiro-ai-data-centers-pivot . (Note: the EO was August, not September.)

### Colorado (D legislature, D governor; R-aligned DOJ challenge)
- **9 Apr 2026** xAI sues over SB 24-205; **24 Apr 2026** DOJ intervenes; **27 Apr 2026** enforcement stayed. **14 May 2026** — Polis signs **SB 26-189**, which "repeal[s] and reenact[s]" the 2024 law as a narrower "Automated Decision-Making Technology" notice/correction/human-review regime; "this act takes effect January 1, 2027"; "NOTHING IN THIS PART 17 CREATES A NEW PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION." https://www.leg.colorado.gov/laws/session-laws/SB26-189/131/download . Stay and AG non-enforcement extend to the replacement law. https://www.warden-ai.com/resources/colorado-sb-26-189-enforcement-stay

### Texas (R)
- **TRAIGA, HB 149** (signed 22 Jun 2025; effective **1 Jan 2026**): bans specified harmful uses (manipulation to self-harm, unlawful discrimination intent, CSAM deepfakes), AG enforcement, regulatory sandbox, AI advisory council; no frontier-model duties. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB149
- **Aug 2026** — Abbott endorses a state "audit" of data-center development amid rural backlash (Houston Chronicle). https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/greg-abbott-moved-data-centers-stop-rural-revolt-22373808.php

### Florida (R)
- **7 May 2026** — **SB 484** signed: hyperscale data centers must bear their own grid costs; consumer protection framing. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/484

### Illinois (D)
- **POWER Act (HB 5513 / SB 4016)** — data centers pay their own energy/water costs, supply renewables, report water use, community benefit agreements — **failed to pass by 31 May 2026**. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5513&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114
- **Jun 2026** — **Pritzker** directs DCEO to pause all new Data Center Investment Program tax-incentive agreements from **1 Jul 2026** (two-year suspension announced in 18 Feb 2026 budget address) and urges passage in the fall veto session. https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/gov-jb-pritzker-to-suspend-tax-breaks-for-data-centers-urging-more-discussion/

### Michigan (R-sponsored, bipartisan cosponsors)
- **26 Feb 2026** — **HB 5594–5596, "Data Center Regulation Act"** (Rep. Jennifer Wortz, R; Rep. Joseph Fox, R; cosponsors include Democrats Dylan Wegela and Erin Byrnes): "until April 1, 2027, a local unit of government shall not issue … any authorization for a data center" and "a person shall not begin operation of a data center." Referred to Government Operations; **not advanced**. https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5594

### Maine (D governor vetoed a moratorium)
- **2026** — Legislature passed a data-center moratorium; **Gov. Janet Mills (D) vetoed** it because it lacked a carve-out for a project already underway. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5848215-maine-gov-mills-vetoes-data-center-moratorium/

### Tally (13 Sep 2026)
- Statewide moratorium/pause actually in force: **New York (D, executive, ≥50 MW, ≤1 year)** only. Passed-but-unsigned: NY S.10642 (D). Vetoed: Maine (D governor). Proposed, stalled: Michigan (R-led). Sanders' claim (Mar 2026) that "12 states are pushing forward with statewide moratorium proposals" refers to introduced bills, not enactments.
- Ratepayer/siting laws: Florida (R), Pennsylvania EO (D), Illinois incentive pause (D), Texas audit (R), plus dozens of PUC tariff proceedings.
- Frontier-model safety statutes in force: California SB 53 (D); New York RAISE (D, effective 2027). Both Democratic-led; both now cited by preemption advocates.

---

## 5. Midterm politics (3 Nov 2026)

### Polling
- **Pew, fielded 17–23 Feb 2026, published 17 Jun 2026** ("Americans and AI 2026"): ~half of adults now use chatbots; "Majorities aren't confident that the government is addressing AI effectively or that companies are developing it responsibly"; broad concern about "its impact, its speed and whether the government can properly regulate it." https://www.pewresearch.org/ (report title as given)
- **Reuters/Ipsos, 11 Jun 2026**: 64% do not think it is a "good thing to build data centers at a rapid rate"; 77% worry data centers will raise their electricity rates; 14% willing to live near one. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/americans-wary-ai-driven-data-center-boom-reutersipsos-poll-shows-2026-06-11/
- **Heatmap, Sep 2025** (baseline): 44% supported data-center construction, 42% opposed. https://heatmap.news/politics/data-center-survey
- **AI Policy Institute, fielded 10–11 Jun 2026** (n=1,007 likely voters, opt-in panel): "majorities in both parties prefer mandatory AI safety standards to a deregulatory approach," 86% want "a guaranteed off switch for the most powerful AI systems." Advocacy pollster; treat as directional. https://theaipi.org/
- **Washington Post, 23 Aug 2026**: candidates' online posts about data centers shifted from mostly positive (2024) to significantly negative (2026); Republicans more negative than Democrats. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/08/23/most-gop-politicians-now-talk-negatively-about-data-centers-data-shows/
- **Brookings, "Why data centers are a top issue in the 2026 midterms" (Aug/Sep 2026)**: "The public has gone from a cautiously optimistic view of data centers to outright opposition"; "candidates in both parties are running ads against data centers"; "data centers have become a convenient proxy for major debates regarding the future." https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-data-centers-are-a-top-issue-in-the-2026-midterms/ . Companion pieces: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/data-center-moratoriums-are-not-a-substitute-for-oversight/ ; https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-rising-electric-rates-could-affect-the-2026-midterms/
- **Gallup**: no 2026 Gallup data-center-specific item found; Gallup's 2025–26 AI trend items show more Americans expect AI to do harm than good on jobs. (§7.)
- **Generic-ballot / AI-issue crosstabs, Aug–Sep 2026**: none found from Pew or Gallup; NYT (23 Aug 2026) reports the "dramatic shift" on data centers as a midterm factor. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/23/us/politics/data-centers-midterm-elections.html

### Super PACs
- **Leading the Future** (a16z, Greg Brockman, Joe Lonsdale, Ron Conway; OpenAI-linked; Palantir execs): announced ~$100M+; FEC-verified receipts far lower ($75.5M raised, $24.4M disbursed, $51.1M cash as of 31 Mar 2026 per tracker; ~$43M cash later per Inside Political Money). Affiliates: **Think Big PAC** (Democratic arm), **American Mission PAC** (GOP arm), **Build American AI** (501(c)(4)). Goal: candidates "committed to blocking states' ability to enforce AI legislation (framed as 'national regulatory framework')." Tracker: https://www.datacenterwatch.org/ (page: "AI Data Center PAC Money Tracker 2026"); Inside Political Money: https://insidepoliticalmoney.com/news/friendship-over-fear-how-the-top-ai-super-pac-is-spending/ ; InfluenceWatch: https://www.influencewatch.org/political-party/leading-the-future/
- **Public First Action** network (Anthropic-backed; run by ex-Reps. Brad Carson (D-OK) and Chris Stewart (R-UT)): affiliates **Jobs and Democracy PAC** (D-side), **Defending Our Values PAC** (R-side), **Public First PAC**. **Anthropic's $20M** contribution to Public First Action is listed by the tracker; the Feb 2026 announcement date is consistent with Anthropic's own statements but the primary release was not fetched (§7). Active in GA, IL, NC, NJ, NY, TX.
- **Meta**: ~$65M announced for pro-AI super PACs (American Technology Excellence Project and state vehicles), including a documented $45M contribution (tracker).
- **Fairshake** (crypto, overlapping donors a16z/Coinbase/Ripple): $135.6M raised this cycle; spent ~$9.9M against Juliana Stratton in the IL Senate primary (she won, Mar 2026).
- **NY-12 test case (Alex Bores, D)**: Bores co-authored the RAISE Act. Leading the Future/Think Big spent **~$8.15M against him** (ads began Dec 2025); pro-Bores PACs (Jobs and Democracy PAC >$13M, You Can Push Back $3.3M, DREAM NYC $2.5M, Guardrails Alliance) spent **~$19.26M**; total ~$27.4M. **23 Jun 2026 primary: Micah Lasher 39.1% (39,764), Bores 35.0% (35,543)**, Schlossberg 10.8%, Conway 6.1%. The Verge: "ends in a draw" — the industry PAC's target lost, but the AI-safety side outspent it 2:1 and still lost. https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/956263/alex-bores-new-york-12th-district-congressional-primary-results ; https://ballotpedia.org/Alex_Bores ; https://www.transformernews.ai/p/alex-bores-defeat-micah-lasher-ai-leading-the-future-public-first
- **Leading the Future's actual pattern**: of 14 races with >$250K Think Big spending, it opposed a Democrat in only one (Bores); elsewhere it backs friendly incumbents in safe seats (Inside Political Money). Lost in IL-2 (Jesse Jackson Jr., $1.4M) and against Stratton; won with Melissa Bean (IL-8).
- **Candidates running anti-data-center ads, both parties**: Sherrod Brown (D-OH) vs. Husted; Gina Hinojosa (D-TX) vs. Abbott; Shapiro's GOP opponent attacking him as pro-tech (PA); Husted (R-OH) responded by introducing **S. 5028, Ratepayer Protection Act** in the Senate (Sep 2026). Local officials face recall elections over data-center approvals in "more than a dozen cities and towns" (Inquirer, 1 Sep 2026).

---

## 6. How to say it on stage — five defensible sentences

1. "In the United States, a small progressive bloc — Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and nine House cosponsors — has introduced a bill to freeze new AI data-center construction until Congress requires federal pre-release approval of AI products; it has had no hearing, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in July that a moratorium is 'not a position that I've articulated at this moment.'"
2. "The bipartisan center of gravity is not a ban but safety regulation and ratepayer protection: a Ratepayer Protection Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee 52 to nothing, and Senators Thune, Cruz and Klobuchar are negotiating a frontier-model bill with a duty of care, a federal role before release, court review — and preemption of state laws, which is where Democrats like Maria Cantwell are digging in."
3. "Republicans are split: the President and Senator Cruz push federal preemption and 'let Data Reign,' while Senator Hawley, Governor DeSantis, Governor Abbott, Steve Bannon's 'Humans First' movement and many GOP candidates are restricting data centers or demanding safety testing."
4. "The only statewide construction pause actually in force is Governor Hochul's one-year permit freeze on data centers of 50 megawatts or more in New York; Maine's Democratic governor vetoed one, Michigan's Republican-sponsored one stalled, and the frontier-safety statutes on the books — California's SB 53 and New York's RAISE Act — are transparency and testing laws, not bans."
5. "Public opinion has moved fast: a June Reuters/Ipsos poll found 64% oppose rapid data-center buildout and 77% fear higher electricity bills, concerns that cut across both parties — so data centers, not AI models, are the 2026 midterm proxy for anxiety about AI."

**Do not say**: "the Democratic Party is anti-AI" (too broad — leadership has not endorsed a moratorium; Castor opposes it; Newsom and Hochul are regulating, not banning; OpenAI itself asks for mandatory federal rules). Do not say "Republicans oppose AI regulation" (Hawley, Cruz's own draft, DeSantis, Abbott, Michigan GOP contradict it). Do not say "the Senate is about to give government veto power over AI models" — that is one of at least three competing descriptions of an unpublished draft. Do not date Shapiro's order to September (it was 18 Aug 2026). Do not say "Sacks was replaced" — no successor czar was named. Do not call the New York freeze a ban on "AI" — it is a permit pause for facilities ≥50 MW.

---

## 7. Unverified / disputed items (flagged)

- **Senate draft mechanism**: Reuters ("power to block… challenge in federal court") vs. POLITICO ("not be subject to a pre-approval regime"; injunction route) vs. Democratic aide ("primarily a voluntary standard"). No text published as of 13 Sep 2026. Treat every description as provisional.
- **Reuters headline vs. body**: the words "mitigate," "known," and "major" do not appear in the article body, which says "catastrophic risks."
- **Anthropic $20M to Public First Action (Feb 2026)**: listed by the PAC tracker and consistent with coverage; Anthropic's primary announcement URL was not fetched. Verify before quoting a date.
- **Leading the Future "$100M+"**: pledged figure; FEC-verified receipts were $75.5M (31 Mar 2026). Say "roughly $100 million pledged" not "spent."
- **White House "national AI legislative framework" (2026)**: no published bill text located; the phrase appears in EO 14365 and administration messaging. Do not describe it as a bill.
- **June 2026 voluntary pre-release review EO**: existence confirmed via Washington Times and secondary summaries (CNBC/Hill/Guardian); EO number (14409 in earlier notes) and whitehouse.gov URL not re-verified here.
- **Sriram Krishnan departure (30 Jun 2026)** and **Blackburn "TRUMP AMERICA AI Act" draft (Mar 2026)**, **Warren "AI Bubble Transparency Act"**, **Hawley 9 Sep letter to Altman**: from earlier research in this session; primary URLs not captured in this file.
- **Sanders/Casar Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act (3 Sep 2026)**: reported in secondary coverage; bill number and congress.gov entry not confirmed.
- **Marjorie Taylor Greene 2026 statements**: direction (anti-data-center, populist) is well reported; no specific 2026 quote/URL captured.
- **Gallup 2026 data-center polling**: not found; do not attribute data-center numbers to Gallup.
- **NY RAISE effective date**: reported as 1 Jan 2027 after the chapter amendment; confirm against the enacted chapter law text before stating precisely.
- **Jeffries quote**: verified verbatim via E&E News/POLITICO (1 Jul 2026); NOTUS repeats it. The NOTUS page returned an error on direct fetch; the quote is confirmed from the E&E page.
- **Sanders "12 states pushing statewide moratorium proposals"**: a claim in his press release, not an enactment count.
- **Secondary aggregator used for the Reuters/POLITICO/Nextgov comparison** (an AI-news site, 12 Sep 2026): quotes were cross-checked against the Washington Times and HuffPost accounts where possible; prefer the Reuters/POLITICO originals when citing.

---

## 8. Source list

Federal bills and executive actions
- H.R. 9442 text: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr9442/BILLS-119hr9442ih.htm ; bill page: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9442
- S. 4214: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4214
- Sanders release, 25 Mar 2026: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-ocasio-cortez-announce-ai-data-center-moratorium-act/
- Ocasio-Cortez release, 24 Jun 2026: https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-introduces-house-version-ai-data-center-moratorium-act
- S. 2938 AI Risk Evaluation Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2938
- S. 2937 AI LEAD Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2937
- S. 3062 GUARD Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3062
- S. 2750 SANDBOX Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2750
- S. 4727 AI Environmental Impacts Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4727
- H.R. 9925 FRONTIER Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9925
- H.R. 9477 AI Incident Reporting Act (Moran, 25 Jun 2026): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9477
- H.R. 9340 Ratepayer Protection Act: https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20260914/H.R.%209340,%20Ratepayer%20Protection%20Act.pdf
- E&C markup memo, 24 Jun 2026: https://www.congress.gov/119/meeting/house/119393/documents/HMKP-119-IF03-20260624-SD002.pdf
- Markey AI Accountability Agenda, 10 Jul 2026: https://www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-markey-releases-the-ai-accountability-agenda-taking-power-back-from-big-tech ; PDF https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ai_accountability_agenda.pdf
- EO 14365, 11 Dec 2025: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/eliminating-state-law-obstruction-of-national-artificial-intelligence-policy/
- Senate roll call 99–1, 1 Jul 2025: https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00370.htm
- Ratepayer Protection Pledge fact sheet, 4 Mar 2026: https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-advances-energy-affordability-with-the-ratepayer-protection-pledge/
- Trump roundtable remarks, 23 Jul 2026: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-roundtable-discussion-the-ratepayer-protection-pledge
- Democratic Party Platform (2024, current): https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/

Senate negotiation and Congress coverage
- Reuters, 11 Sep 2026, "US Senate negotiators consider requiring AI firms to mitigate known major risks": https://www.reuters.com/ (search title)
- E&E News/POLITICO, 1 Jul 2026: https://www.eenews.net/articles/data-center-moratorium-still-has-few-takers-on-capitol-hill/
- E&E News, Pallone: https://www.eenews.net/articles/pallone-plots-data-center-crackdown/
- E&E News, Ratepayer Protection Act: https://www.eenews.net/articles/data-center-lobby-grumbles-about-reworked-ratepayer-protection-act-2/
- NOTUS, Sep 2026: https://www.notus.org/congress/jeffries-data-centers-progressives-moratorium
- Washington Times, Sep 2026, "Congressional interest for regulating AI grows after whistleblower warnings of risks to humanity": https://www.washingtontimes.com/ (search title)
- The Hill, Sacks, 27 Mar 2026: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5026959-venture-capitalist-david-sacks-white-house/
- The Hill, OpenAI mandatory rules (Sep 2026): https://thehill.com/ (search "OpenAI pushes for mandatory safety requirements")
- Guardian on Markey, 10 Jul 2026: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jul/10/us-senator-unveils-ai-accountability-agenda-bills
- DC/ai Decoded newsletter, 27 Jul 2026: https://dcaidecoded.substack.com/
- Bannon War Room Ep. 5539, 23 Jul 2026: https://warroom.org/ (search episode)

Trump Aug–Sep 2026
- Fox News, 31 Aug 2026: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/backwards-poor-trump-issues-dire-warning-communities-blocking-critical-technology
- Philadelphia Inquirer, 1 Sep 2026: https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/trump-data-centers-support-backwards-poor-elections-20260901.html
- Business Insider, Aug 2026: https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-data-centers-golden-goose-communities-poor-2026-8
- USA Today, 24 Aug 2026: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/08/24/donald-trump-data-centers-mistake/91438730007/
- CBS News clip (EPA remarks): https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/videos/4494705567452482/
- SAN, pledge enforcement: https://san.com/cc/inside-the-effort-to-make-data-centers-pay-their-share-of-electricity-costs/

States
- CA SB 53: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB53
- CA SB 243: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB243
- CA Governor, 9 Sep 2026 (SB 813, AB 1405): https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/09/governor-newsom-signs-first-in-the-nation-ai-safeguards-to-protect-californians-calls-on-the-federal-government-to-do-its-part/
- Bloomberg Government on SB 813, 10 Sep 2026: https://news.bgov.com/bloomberg-government-news/newsom-signs-ai-bills-to-assign-auditors-to-weigh-safety-risks
- CA AB 1018 status: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1018
- NY RAISE chapter amendment S. 8828: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8828 ; Assembly record: https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=S08828
- NY S. 10642 Responsible Data Center Development Act: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S10642
- NY Governor moratorium release, 13 Jul 2026: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/first-statewide-moratorium-new-hyperscale-data-centers-launched-governor-kathy-hochul
- The Hill on Hochul, 13 Jul 2026: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5966562-new-york-ai-data-center-moratorium/
- The Hill on Maine veto: https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5848215-maine-gov-mills-vetoes-data-center-moratorium/
- Reuters on Shapiro EO, 18 Aug 2026: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/pennsylvania-governor-signs-order-imposing-new-rules-set-up-ai-data-centers-2026-08-18/
- Axios on Shapiro pivot, 19 Aug 2026: https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/josh-shapiro-ai-data-centers-pivot
- PA GRID template consent order (rev. 08/18/2026): https://www.pa.gov/ (search "Template GRID Project Consent Order and Agreement")
- Colorado SB 26-189 session law: https://www.leg.colorado.gov/laws/session-laws/SB26-189/131/download
- McDermott on Colorado: https://www.mcdermottlaw.com/insights/colorado-ai-law-in-flux-comprehensive-replacement-bill-signed-after-federal-court-blocks-predecessors-enforcement/
- Warden AI on Colorado stay: https://www.warden-ai.com/resources/colorado-sb-26-189-enforcement-stay
- Texas HB 149 (TRAIGA): https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB149
- Houston Chronicle on Abbott audit: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/greg-abbott-moved-data-centers-stop-rural-revolt-22373808.php
- Florida SB 484: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/484 ; FOX 13 on DeSantis signing, 7 May 2026: https://www.fox13news.com/ (search title)
- Illinois HB 5513: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=5513&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114
- Capitol News Illinois on Pritzker pause: https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/gov-jb-pritzker-to-suspend-tax-breaks-for-data-centers-urging-more-discussion/
- NRDC on POWER Act failure: https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/lawmakers-fail-pass-power-act-leaving-illinois-ratepayers-continue-footing-bill-data
- Michigan HB 5594: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5594 ; text: https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2025-2026/billintroduced/House/htm/2026-HIB-5594.htm ; HB 5596: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Home/GetObject?ObjectName=2026-HB-5596

Polling and midterms
- Brookings, "Why data centers are a top issue in the 2026 midterms": https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-data-centers-are-a-top-issue-in-the-2026-midterms/
- Brookings, moratoriums not a substitute for oversight: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/data-center-moratoriums-are-not-a-substitute-for-oversight/
- Brookings, rising electric rates and midterms: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-rising-electric-rates-could-affect-the-2026-midterms/
- Brookings, pledge needs enforcement: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-pledge-to-protect-ratepayers-from-ai-data-center-costs-needs-enforcement/
- Reuters/Ipsos, 11 Jun 2026: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/americans-wary-ai-driven-data-center-boom-reutersipsos-poll-shows-2026-06-11/
- Heatmap, Sep 2025: https://heatmap.news/politics/data-center-survey
- Pew, "Americans and AI 2026" (17 Jun 2026): https://www.pewresearch.org/ (search title)
- AIPI, "The AI Safety Majority" (Jun 2026): https://theaipi.org/
- Washington Post, 23 Aug 2026: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/08/23/most-gop-politicians-now-talk-negatively-about-data-centers-data-shows/
- NYT, 23 Aug 2026: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/23/us/politics/data-centers-midterm-elections.html
- WOSU on Brown/Husted, 17 Aug 2026: https://www.wosu.org/2026-08-17/ohios-u-s-senate-candidates-recalibrate-their-stances-on-data-centers
- The Verge on NY-12: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/956263/alex-bores-new-york-12th-district-congressional-primary-results
- Ballotpedia, Alex Bores: https://ballotpedia.org/Alex_Bores
- Transformer on Bores: https://www.transformernews.ai/p/alex-bores-defeat-micah-lasher-ai-leading-the-future-public-first
- Inside Political Money on Leading the Future: https://insidepoliticalmoney.com/news/friendship-over-fear-how-the-top-ai-super-pac-is-spending/
- InfluenceWatch, Leading the Future: https://www.influencewatch.org/political-party/leading-the-future/
- AI Data Center PAC Money Tracker 2026 (FEC-based, as of 31 May / 18 Jun 2026 filings): https://www.datacenterwatch.org/ (search title)
- DataCenterDynamics on the moratorium act: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/ocasio-cortez-and-sanders-introduce-ai-data-center-moratorium-act/