'Data Centers Should Be Using Clean Power': Matsui Issues Concerns Over Data Center Power Generation
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) expressed concerns during a House Energy and Commerce Markup about data centers' impact on electricity costs, power generation, and water supplies. She advocated for tech companies to fund infrastructure upgrades, use clean power, and build on brownfields or disturbed lands. Matsui called for a comprehensive federal framework to regulate data center siting, construction, and operation across the country.
Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) voiced significant concerns regarding the energy and environmental impact of data centers during a House Energy and Commerce Markup. She emphasized that rising electricity costs should not burden ratepayers due to data center operations, asserting that tech companies should be responsible for funding necessary upgrades to the electric grid.
Matsui highlighted the issue of some data centers relying on "dirty diesel and gas generators," leading to pollution and health threats in neighboring communities. She also addressed water usage, stating that data centers should not jeopardize local water supplies and that tech companies should cover the costs of water infrastructure upgrades to prevent higher water bills for families and small businesses.
Furthermore, the Representative called for more thoughtful siting of these facilities, suggesting they be built on brownfields or disturbed lands rather than cutting down forests or filling wetlands. She stressed the importance of transparency from tech companies and their respectful investment in local communities.
Matsui expressed support for existing legislation like the Ratepayer Protection Act and the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act, but urged the committee to develop a broader, comprehensive framework to address the full scope of data center impacts nationwide.