Lawmakers Push Standards for Data Center Energy Use
U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam, Jay Obernolte, and Valerie Foushee have introduced the Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act. This legislation aims to establish standardized methods for measuring energy and water consumption at data centers across the country. The goal is to provide consistent metrics to help policymakers, utilities, and local communities better understand and manage the environmental and infrastructure impacts of data center development.
U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) have jointly introduced the Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to standardize the measurement of energy and water consumption by data centers nationwide, providing crucial metrics for informed decision-making regarding their environmental and infrastructure impact.
According to Representative Subramanyam, whose district in Virginia is home to over 300 data centers, a lack of consistent measurement standards hinders communities and policymakers from effectively regulating and planning for data center growth. The bill addresses concerns that national data center energy consumption could double or triple by 2028, potentially accounting for 12% of total U.S. energy use, and that data centers consume an estimated 160 billion gallons of water annually. Currently, communities often lack reliable data to assess these impacts.
The proposed act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the Department of Energy, to develop best practices and technical standards for measuring data center energy and water usage. Proponents argue this foundation will enhance electricity demand forecasting, resource management, infrastructure planning, and data center siting decisions, preventing undue strain on utility grids and natural resources.
Representative Obernolte emphasized the need for better information to responsibly plan for the demands of data centers and AI infrastructure. Representative Foushee highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that communities deserve clear guardrails to protect utility bills, natural resources, and local infrastructure from the accelerating development, ensuring decisions are guided by facts rather than industry estimates.