Data center bill falls short in Senate
The U.S. Senate voted 57-43 against advancing a bill addressing the impact of data centers on electricity costs and grid upgrade expenses. Democrats said the measure was too weak, while Republicans argued it would pressure regulators to make large power customers pay for infrastructure improvements.
The Senate failed to advance legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, that would have directed utility regulators to consider a federal standard requiring large electricity customers, including data centers, to cover system upgrade costs. The bill needed 60 votes but received 57, despite passing the House 417-3.
Democrats, led by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, criticized the measure as optional and insufficient, supporting proposals that would require large power users to pay for necessary grid improvements. Republicans argued the bill addressed voter concerns about rising electricity costs, while Husted’s role has drawn political scrutiny because of Ohio’s growing data center industry and his reelection campaign.