Senate Rejects Data Center Power Bill, Leaving States to Decide
The 57-43 vote blocked a measure that would have required data centers to cover electricity infrastructure costs after the bill passed the House.
The U.S. Senate rejected legislation requiring data centers to pay costs linked to their electricity infrastructure, leaving federal policy unsettled as power demand from large computing facilities rises.
The Ratepayer Protection Act failed to advance in a 57-43 vote. The measure needed 60 votes to proceed and had already passed the House.
The result leaves the federal government without the proposed requirement for data centers to cover infrastructure expenses associated with their electricity use. The defeat could also reduce pressure on states to adopt similar rules.
The debate has broader implications for the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, which depends on large facilities with substantial power requirements. U.S. data-center power demand is projected to increase from 31 gigawatts in 2025 to 66 gigawatts in 2027.
Data centers are also projected to represent 8.5% of total U.S. peak-summer electricity demand in 2027, up from 4.1% in 2025. Earlier coverage of projected U.S. data-center demand outlined the growing pressure on power markets.
Missouri lawmakers may consider data-center regulations during upcoming legislative sessions. New bills or other regulatory measures could be introduced, while statements from Gov. Mike Kehoe may help indicate the state’s position.
With the federal measure blocked, future action on data-center electricity costs will depend in part on whether states pursue their own legislation or regulations.
