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Federal government steps in with potential new AI, data center legislation
The measure would require states to make large-load customers such as data centers pay for electricity and grid upgrades tied to new projects.
- The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act on Sept. 16 in a 417-3 vote, requiring states to consider mandating that large-load customers, such as data centers, cover their own electricity costs.
- At least 22 Minnesota cities and counties have enacted moratoriums on new hyperscale data centers until 2027, prompting federal action to standardize cost responsibility across states.
- House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called himself a "true believer in local control" and voted yes, while State Sen. Erin Maye Quade said the bill is a "great first start" but misses emerging studies showing heat islands of 3 to 16 degrees.
- Separately, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is working with Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune on a federal AI safety bill mandating developers test models for catastrophic risks before release.
- Xcel Energy spokesperson Kevin Coss noted the utility already requires large customers to cover all upgrade costs, including power lines and substations, ensuring residential customers do not bear growth expenses.
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left0Leaning Right6Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
C 57%
R 43%
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