As anger mounts over the impacts of data centers, Republicans are wrestling with legislation that would address concerns over increased electricity and water demand that many voters associate with higher utility bills. But it’s not yet clear if any solution can move in the now-shortened September work period before House members go home to campaign.
House Energy and Commerce Committee members have been pushing GOP leaders to bring to the floor a bill the committee approved 52-0 in July. The bill is led by Reps. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., and Kathy Castor, D-Fla., both of whom are in competitive elections this year.
That bill, dubbed the “Ratepayer Protection Act” by supporters, would codify portions of the “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” that President Donald Trump convinced over 300 utilities, electric cooperatives, artificial intelligence “hyperscalers” and more to sign.
It would require states to consider adopting federal standards ensuring that data centers and other large-load customers cover the costs of necessary grid upgrades, a move intended to prevent costs from being passed on to ratepayers.
On Thursday, the Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee held a hearing on a discussion draft of legislation that would prevent states from allowing public water systems to recover costs associated with data centers from any customer other than the data centers’ owner and operator.
