House passes bill requiring AI data centers to cover grid costs

September 15, 2026 at 05:00 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act 417-3 on Wednesday, requiring AI data centers over 100 MW to pay for new power infrastructure instead of shifting costs to consumers. The Senate has not yet acted on the bill. The vote comes as data center backlash grows ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

The House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act by a vote of 417-3 on Wednesday.
The bill would require AI data centers with demand of 100 megawatts or more to cover costs of new power sources, transmission lines, and other infrastructure.
The Senate has not yet taken action on the measure.
The bill was introduced in June by Rep. Gabe Evans, a Colorado Republican, and Rep. Kathy Castor, a Florida Democrat.
The Cook Political Report labels both Evans' and Castor's reelection races as 'toss up'.

Legislative Action

The House advanced the bill under suspension of the rules, a process used to expedite noncontroversial legislation. The measure required a two-thirds vote to pass and garnered broad, bipartisan support. House Speaker Mike Johnson brought the bill to the floor. The bill would codify parts of the White House's 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' released by President Donald Trump in March.

Political Context

Data centers have become a crucial issue in the 2026 elections, with Republicans defending narrow majorities in both chambers. A cross-partisan grassroots movement opposing the facilities has emerged around the country. States and localities have primary authority over individual projects, but the bill would create guardrails states could adopt. Rep. Kathy Castor said in June that ratepayers should not have to subsidize wealthy corporations' growing energy demands.

Criticism

Groups like the League of Conservation Voters say the measure does not go far enough to address their data center concerns. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Gabe Evans, said in a Washington Reporter op-ed that those creating new demand should be responsible for associated costs.