US Senate Republicans push data‑centre bill ahead of midterms

US Senate Republicans are set to vote on a bill aimed at addressing voter concerns over data centres and their impact on energy costs ahead of the midterm elections.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted (R‑Ohio), would require utility regulators to consider a federal standard that charges large power customers a rate covering the cost of necessary grid upgrades. The House passed a similar proposal by 417‑3, but the Senate bill now needs the backing of at least seven Democratic senators to move forward.

Husted, who faces a tough re‑election battle against former Sen. Sherrod Brown, has been portrayed by his opponent as the “face of data centres”. He told reporters the bill is “the only way to get a chance to prove to the American people before the midterm elections whose side you’re on”.

Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have criticised the bill as insufficient, calling it “a fraud, plain and simple”. They favour a competing proposal by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D‑NM) that would make grid‑upgrade payments mandatory for large electricity users.

Sen. John Thune (R‑South Dakota) has scheduled procedural votes on Husted’s bill and another measure by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R‑Neb.) that would bar members of Congress from buying individual stocks. Both votes require a 60‑vote threshold to advance.

The issue resonates with voters: polls show about six in ten Americans support limiting new data‑centre construction, and a majority are concerned about the effect on electricity prices and local water supplies.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Sonny Sixteen / Pexels.