The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Ratepayer Protection Act on Wednesday, 417-3, aiming to prevent consumers from covering the costs of energy infrastructure upgrades required for new, large data centers. The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., and Kathy Castor, D-Fla., would establish a federal standard for state utility regulators to ensure data centers, rather than consumers, bear the financial responsibility for power generation and transmission upgrades. The move comes as concerns mount about the increasing energy demands of data centers powering artificial intelligence and as the facilities could consume over 10% of U.S. power demand by 2030.
Evans framed the bill as a way to support AI infrastructure development without burdening “hardworking families,” while also noting the importance of competing with China. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the bill would ensure families don't foot the bill for AI infrastructure buildout. The legislation emerged as a key campaign issue in the midterm elections, with Evans, a vulnerable Republican, and other at-risk lawmakers pressing for a vote. President Trump has expressed support for data center construction, viewing it as critical for U.S.-based AI companies.
While the bill passed with broad bipartisan support, Reps. Summer Lee, Delia Ramirez, and Rashida Tlaib opposed it. The Senate has its own data center bills but has not yet taken action, leaving the future of the legislation uncertain. The bill does not address warnings from AI researchers about the potential dangers of rapidly advancing AI technology. Left-leaning outlets emphasize the consumer protection aspect, while right-leaning coverage highlights the bill’s support for AI development and competition with China; not in dispute is the bill's passage in the House.
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