Key Facts

• The bill does not create a nationwide approval process or give local governments a blanket power to block data centers.
• The Secretaries of Energy and Treasury would determine whether a federally funded project meets the bill’s conditions.
• Burchett said the proposal aims to give communities more say over data-center development.
• A Congressional Research Service report said rapid investment in artificial intelligence has driven a buildout of large data centers that use substantial electricity and water.
• The report said concerns about resource use and possible effects on electricity bills have fueled opposition and calls for regulation.
• Representative Eugene Vindman introduced the Make Data Centers Pay Act in October to address electricity costs associated with data centers and other high-demand computing facilities.
• Representative Henry Cuellar introduced the Ratepayer Bill of Rights Act in August; the article says it would require large data centers to disclose information including electricity and water use.