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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, legislation aimed at establishing standardized methods for measuring energy and water consumption at data centers.
According to a statement from Rep. Subramanyam’s office, the bill would create consistent metrics to help policymakers, utilities, local governments, and communities better understand the environmental and infrastructure impacts of 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 noted in a statement.
Rep. Subramanyam’s congressional district is home to more than 300 data centers, with approximately 200 additional facilities expected to come online in the coming years. According to the statement, data center energy consumption nationwide could double or triple by 2028, accounting for as much as 12 percent of total U.S. energy use. Data centers are also estimated to consume about 160 billion gallons of water annually.
The statement noted that policymakers and local communities currently lack standardized information about how much energy and water data centers consume, as well as when and how they use electricity.
Under the proposed legislation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in coordination with the Department of Energy, would be directed to develop best practices and technical standards for measuring data center energy and water usage. Supporters of the bill say the effort would provide a technical foundation for improved electricity demand forecasting, resource management, infrastructure planning, and data center siting decisions.
“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.”
Rep. Foushee emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability as data center development accelerates across the country.
“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.”
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