A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This legislation, titled the "Data Center Oversight Act," requires sponsors of large data centers with a facility load of 20 megawatts or greater to file public disclosure statements with the Secretary of Energy. These statements must be filed before construction begins, after operations commence, and annually for the following ten years. The bill directs the Secretary to establish a publicly accessible and searchable database containing all submitted disclosure statements and aggregate statistics. It also establishes civil penalties of up to $1,000,000 per day for failing to file or for filing misleading statements. Finally, the bill ensures that the Secretary has no authority to approve, deny, or delay the construction or operation of a data center based on these filings.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates comprehensive public disclosure statements and creates a free, searchable database for large data center energy, water, and cost data.
- Scored +5
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The bill imposes extensive disclosure and public reporting requirements on large data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
- Scored +4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill increases consumer protection and transparency by requiring data centers to report their projected effects on electricity rates and monthly bills.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Transparency on Electricity Costs: Under Section 2(b)(3), data center sponsors must report the projected effect of their electric service on the rates, charges, and average monthly bills paid by everyday electric consumers, as well as the costs allocated to electric utilities. This benefits the public by holding officials and companies accountable and providing clarity on whether everyday people are being forced to foot the bill for heavy energy usage.
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Public Access to Facility Data: Under Section 3, the Secretary of Energy must create a free, publicly searchable online database containing all disclosure statements and aggregate statistics by state and county. This gives everyday citizens direct access to information regarding the location, energy consumption, and water usage of large facilities in their communities.
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Labor Standards Reporting: Under Section 2(b)(7), sponsors must disclose whether construction is performed under a project labor agreement and whether workers are paid prevailing wages determined by the Secretary of Labor. This provision shines a light on labor practices and construction standards used for these large projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential Regulatory Loopholes: Under Section 2(f)(1), the bill explicitly states that it does not authorize the Secretary to approve, deny, condition, suspend, or delay the construction or operation of a data center. This means that even if a disclosure statement reveals severe negative impacts on local energy rates or water supplies, the government lacks the power to stop the project under this Act.
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Reporting and Compliance Burdens: Under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b), sponsors must compile extensive and complex data regarding cost allocations, water volume, and proximity to protected areas across multiple reporting deadlines. While intended to ensure accountability, these heavy reporting requirements could potentially slow down technological infrastructure development or drive up operational costs that get passed down to consumers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill increases consumer protection and transparency by requiring data centers to report their projected effects on electricity rates and monthly bills. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The bill requires reporting on whether construction is performed under a project labor agreement and whether prevailing wages are paid.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates comprehensive public disclosure statements and creates a free, searchable database for large data center energy, water, and cost data.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The bill imposes extensive disclosure and public reporting requirements on large data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill mandates reporting on project labor agreements and prevailing wage compliance for data center construction.
- 10/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House