Senators Who Voted Against Data Centers Paying Own Energy Bills: Full List
Summary
The Senate voted 73-25 to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act for debate; the vote was procedural, not final approval. The bill includes a provision requiring AI companies and data center developers to pay for electricity and grid improvements needed to serve their facilities, but some senators said they opposed the broader bill for other reasons.Key Facts
- The legislation aims to speed up federal reviews and approvals for major energy and infrastructure projects.
- Twenty-five senators voted against advancing the bill: 22 Democrats, independent Bernie Sanders, and Republican Mike Rounds.
- Rounds was the only Republican who voted against advancing the measure.
- The bill’s data center provision would require developers and AI companies to cover the costs of power and grid upgrades needed for their facilities.
- The article says rising electricity demand from AI has increased attention on who pays for infrastructure serving data centers.
- Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley said he supported making data centers pay their share but opposed the bill’s broader provisions, citing concerns about fossil fuel development, environmental protections, water quality, community review, and Tribal rights.
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