No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to prevent the environmental and resource impacts of large-scale AI data centers by banning them from federal lands and requiring the removal of any existing facilities.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the construction and operation of Artificial Intelligence Data Centers and their associated infrastructure on all Federal lands, with the exception of lands held in trust for Indian Tribes. It further mandates that any existing AI data centers and their related infrastructure currently located on Federal land must cease operations and be removed within 30 days of the bill's enactment, with site remediation conducted in accordance with environmental laws.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a proactive measure to protect federal lands from the significant environmental footprint of large-scale AI data centers, which are known for their intensive energy and water consumption. They contend that federal lands, often preserved for public use, conservation, or national security, are unsuitable locations for such resource-intensive industrial operations, and that preventing their proliferation will safeguard natural resources and mitigate climate impacts.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that a blanket prohibition on federal lands could hinder technological development and innovation by limiting potential sites for critical infrastructure, especially if private land options are scarce or less suitable. They may also contend that the economic benefits and job creation associated with these facilities could be lost, and that environmental concerns could be addressed through regulation and mitigation rather than an outright ban.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick evaluation.
Section 2(a)(1)
Federal Lands AI Data Center Prohibition
This provision explicitly forbids any new Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDC) or their supporting infrastructure, such as power lines or water pipes, from being built or operated on any land owned or managed by the United States government. This includes land under the Department of Defense's jurisdiction but excludes land held in trust for Native American tribes.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for preserving federal lands, which are often designated for conservation, recreation, or specific government functions, from the heavy resource demands and potential environmental degradation associated with large AI data centers. It ensures these lands are not converted to industrial uses that conflict with their primary purposes.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this prohibition could limit strategic options for locating AI infrastructure, potentially driving up costs or forcing development onto less suitable private lands. They may argue that with proper environmental review and mitigation, some federal lands could accommodate such facilities, especially if they are deemed critical for national technological advancement or security.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire to protect federal lands and their natural resources against the potential need for readily available, large-scale sites for rapidly expanding AI infrastructure. It prioritizes environmental protection and public land preservation over potential economic or technological development on these specific land types.
Section 2(a)(2) and 2(b)
Removal of Existing AI Data Centers
This section mandates that any federal agency, or its lessee, currently operating or constructing an Artificial Intelligence Data Center or its associated infrastructure on federal land must cease all activities and begin the process of removing these facilities within 30 days of the bill becoming law. This includes demolition or deconstruction of the buildings and equipment.
Section 2(c)
Site Remediation and Restoration
This provision specifies that when an Artificial Intelligence Data Center and its associated infrastructure are removed from federal land, the site must be cleaned up and restored in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, and other relevant environmental laws. This includes addressing any hazardous substances and restoring natural resources.
The bill defines "Artificial Intelligence Data Center" not just by its purpose (development/operation of AI models at scale) but also by specific technical thresholds: either a maximum rated power capacity/total peak power load exceeding 20 megawatts, AND designed to deliver 20 kilowatts or more to a single server rack, OR utilizing liquid cooling systems.
Section 2(d)(2)
Why it matters:This level of detail is standard legislative practice for precision, ensuring the prohibition targets specific types of high-impact facilities rather than all data centers.
Case for: Proponents would argue this precise definition prevents loopholes, ensuring the bill targets the most resource-intensive and environmentally impactful data centers associated with advanced AI, rather than inadvertently affecting smaller, less impactful computing facilities.
Case against: Critics might argue that such specific technical thresholds could become quickly outdated as technology evolves, potentially requiring future legislative updates. They might also suggest that the definition could be too broad, capturing facilities not primarily focused on "AI at scale" but meeting the power/cooling criteria.
Estimated impact: This definition determines the exact scope of facilities subject to the prohibition and removal mandates, potentially affecting a significant number of current or planned large-scale data centers.
The definition of "Federal land" explicitly states that it "does not include land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe or member of an Indian Tribe."
Section 2(d)(4)(B)
Why it matters:This is standard practice in legislation dealing with federal lands to respect tribal sovereignty and the unique legal status of trust lands, ensuring federal actions do not inadvertently infringe upon tribal self-determination.
Case for: Proponents would argue this exclusion is vital for upholding tribal sovereignty and self-determination, allowing Indian Tribes to make their own decisions regarding economic development and land use on their trust lands without federal interference.
Case against: No direct opposition is typically raised against such exclusions, as they are generally seen as a matter of tribal rights. However, some environmental groups might express concern if AI data centers on tribal lands were to cause significant regional environmental impacts.
Estimated impact: This exclusion means that AI data centers could potentially be constructed or operated on tribal trust lands, subject to tribal law and any agreements with the federal government, without being subject to the prohibitions of this Act.