House Approves Data Center Bill With Robust Bipartisan Support
The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation, H.R. 9340, aimed at addressing rising energy costs associated with data centers. The bill directs states and utilities to consider standards that would require data centers to cover the costs of their large electricity consumption and infrastructure needs.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved bipartisan legislation, H.R. 9340, aimed at addressing the energy consumption and associated costs of data centers. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Gabe Evans (R-Colo.), passed under suspension of the rules, indicating strong support from both political parties.
H.R. 9340 mandates that states and utilities consider implementing standards that would require data centers to bear the costs for the substantial electricity loads and infrastructure necessary for their operations. This legislative effort is intended to shield ratepayers from potential increases in energy costs directly linked to the burgeoning data center industry. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle view this measure as a crucial initial step in determining equitable responsibility for data center energy expenses.