Reps. Subramanyam, Obernolte, Foushee Introduce Legislation to Create First-of-its-Kind Data Center Energy Measurement Standards
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) have introduced the Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act that would create standardized energy measurements for data centers.
“As more data centers are built across the country, we still lack a standard way to measure and discuss their energy and water use. Communities can’t make fully-informed decisions on where to put data centers and how to regulate them. We need a simple way to track how much power and water these facilities use so we can understand their impact on our communities and protect communities accordingly, ” Rep. Subramanyam said.
Rep. Subramanyam’s district is home to more than 300 data centers, with around 200 more planned to come online in the next few years. By 2028, data center energy consumption across the country could double or triple to account for 12% of all energy usage. Data centers also use an estimated 160 billion gallons of water per year. Yet right now, policy makers and communities lack standardized information about much energy and water data centers actually consume, and when and how they use electricity.
The Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act directs the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), in coordination with the Department of Energy, to develop best practices and technical standards for measuring data center energy and water use. This will create a technical foundation for better electricity forecasting, improved resource management, and better infrastructure planning and data center siting.
“Data centers and AI infrastructure are becoming an increasingly important part of our economy, but policymakers, utilities, and local leaders need better information to plan responsibly for the energy and infrastructure demands that accompany that growth,” said Rep. Obernolte. “The Data Center Energy Measurement and Standards Act will help establish consistent, accurate standards for measuring data center energy use, which will improve forecasting, strengthen infrastructure planning, and support continued innovation without placing unnecessary strain on the grid.”
“Data centers and AI infrastructure are placing unprecedented strain on our electric grid and water resources, and communities deserve transparency and clear guardrails to protect their utility bills, natural resources, and local infrastructure,” said Rep. Foushee. “For too long, policymakers and the public have been asked to make consequential decisions without consistent, reliable information about how these facilities use energy and water. The Data Infrastructure Energy Management and Standards Act will help ensure communities have a voice, taxpayers are not left footing the bill for unchecked infrastructure costs, and planning decisions are guided by facts, not industry estimates. Building the technologies of our future must not come at the expense of the public interest, our planet, and the resources that communities depend on.”