A vote on power bills

The House is expected to vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at limiting utility rate hikes tied to large AI data centers.

Data centers would pay

The bill would let state regulators require AI data centers using 100 megawatts or more to cover new power plants, transmission lines and related grid costs.

“Those creating the new demand should be responsible for the costs associated with meeting that demand”

A fast-track path

Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to use suspension of the rules, a process for less controversial bills. Passage would need a two-thirds House vote.

Election pressure is rising

Data center backlash has become a midterm issue as residents worry about higher bills. Both parties want to show action before lawmakers return home to campaign.

Toss-up sponsors

The bill comes from Rep. Gabe Evans, a Colorado Republican, and Rep. Kathy Castor, a Florida Democrat. Both are running in races rated toss-ups.

States keep control

States and local governments still decide individual projects. The House bill would create optional guardrails they could adopt for ratepayer protection.

Critics want more

Environmental and anti-data-center groups say the bill is too weak because states could ignore it, and because it does not pause new AI data center construction.

“state regulators could ultimately choose to ignore this bill”

AI fights spill over

Hakeem Jeffries supports the bill as a step forward, but wants broader AI action. Other lawmakers are floating safety ideas, including an AI kill switch bill.

“more clearly needs to be done”

Congress may stop here

Johnson says tech companies, not Congress, bear primary responsibility for AI safety. For now, the data center bill may be the main AI action before recess.