Republicans split on how to legislate on data centers

Republicans in the U.S. Congress remain divided on how to legislate the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly concerning their effect on electricity bills, despite President Donald Trump's recent call for action. The White House urged Congress to codify a "ratepayer protection pledge" that would compel technology companies to pay for or provide their own power for data centers. However, efforts to advance legislation have faced internal party discord. House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) expressed uncertainty about the necessity of federal law, suggesting local communities might handle such regulations. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are pushing bipartisan legislation to mandate independent power sources for data centers. Meanwhile, a bill in the House Judiciary Committee, H.R. 8037 (the "Protect American AI Act"), aimed at limiting litigation against data centers' environmental reviews, was derailed due to objections from members like Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who argued against special treatment for any industry. Despite the disagreements, some Democrats, including Senate Energy and Natural Resources ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), have shown interest in parts of Trump's proposal to protect consumers from rising electricity costs. Separately, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation for a data center moratorium, though it lacks broad support.