Senate Democrats block House-passed data center bill aimed at addressing energy costs
Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led effort to advance the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would have shifted the cost of data center-related energy infrastructure from consumers to data center companies. Democrats said the bill’s voluntary standards were too weak, while Republicans argued the vote would address growing concerns about data center-driven electricity costs.
The Senate voted 57-43 to block consideration of the House-passed Ratepayer Protection Act, which would direct state utility regulators to consider requiring data center companies to cover the costs of new energy infrastructure built to serve them. The measure passed the House 417-3 earlier this month but faced opposition from Senate Democrats, who said its voluntary standards would not meaningfully protect consumers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico called the bill a messaging measure and urged consideration of legislation with mandatory requirements. Republicans, including Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio, promoted the vote as a way to address rising public concern over data center electricity demand, with the issue also playing a role in Husted’s competitive Senate campaign.