Senate Democrats have blocked a bill aimed at addressing the electricity costs of data centers, criticizing it as ineffective and lacking in substance. Although the bill passed the House with broad bipartisan support, it failed to secure the 60 votes needed to surpass the filibuster in the Senate. The procedural vote ended at 57-43.
Democratic senators Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) joined Republicans in support of the bill. Ossoff is facing a challenging re-election in November, while Klobuchar is campaigning for the governorship of Minnesota.
Spearheaded in the Senate by Republican Jon Husted (Ohio), the measure proposes that states consider establishing standards for tech companies to cover additional electricity expenses caused by data centers. However, the bill is optional and does not mandate states to implement these standards, prompting criticism for its lack of enforceability.
Democrats argue for a bill that would require Big Tech to cover energy costs directly. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) described the bill as inadequate, pointing out that it leaves action at the discretion of the states. Supporters of the legislation claim that while it doesn’t resolve the problem entirely, it may motivate states to contemplate these standards.
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