Rep. Tlaib proposes federal ban on AI data centers

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib has introduced legislation that would permanently prohibit large AI data centers from being built on federal lands, including military installations, according to a July 23, 2026 announcement from her office.

The No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act would ban hyperscale AI facilities and associated infrastructure on land owned or managed by the federal government. The bill also mandates removal of existing qualifying data centers and requires site remediation.

Why it matters

The legislation arrives as federal agencies accelerate AI infrastructure deployment with limited environmental review. The Department of Defense has requested $30 billion for hyperscale data centers, while the Bureau of Land Management recently approved the first data center on BLM land in Nevada without public input. The bill represents a direct challenge to the executive branch's authority to site critical technology infrastructure on federal property.

Environmental and cost concerns

Tlaib, who represents Michigan's 12th District and co-founded the People's Environmental Justice Caucus, cited constituent concerns about data center impacts. She stated that AI data centers generate noise, light, air, and water pollution, and can increase energy costs by as much as 267 percent.

The congresswoman criticized what she characterized as the Trump administration's willingness to place cost burdens on residents while benefiting technology companies. She specifically referenced a new rule that allows data centers to be built without Clean Air Act permits.

Federal expansion plans

According to Tlaib's office, the Department of Energy is pursuing AI data center development at as many as 16 federal sites nationally. The Defense Department's $30 billion request would fund facilities integrating hardware and software for military decision-making applications.

The legislation aims to protect military families and nearby communities from pollution while limiting what Tlaib described as outsourcing military decisions to technology companies.

Support and cosponsors

The bill has attracted cosponsors including Representatives Jim McGovern, Adelita Grijalva, Delia Ramirez, Mark Pocan, and Bonnie Watson Coleman. Environmental and advocacy organizations endorsing the legislation include the Center for Biological Diversity, Climate Justice Alliance, Food & Water Watch, and Win Without War.

Camden Weber of the Center for Biological Diversity stated that public lands belong to the people rather than corporate interests, calling the bill a necessary accountability measure.

The details were first reported by Rep. Tlaib's office.