“[The Ratepayer Protection Act is] the most meaningful, bipartisan step Congress could take to protect the American people from higher prices for electricity. … It is a shame that this opportunity has been missed today.
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On Its Last Day Before the Midterms, the House Votes 417-3 to Make AI Data Centers Pay for Their Own Power — Speaker Johnson Says Families "Won't Foot the Bill," Kathy Castor Says Big Tech "Should Pay for Their Power and Grid Upgrades," and Frank Pallone Warns Voters' Concerns Keep Getting "Ridiculed by President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders"
September 16, 2026
On Sept. 16, 2026, the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act 417-3 under suspension of the rules. It was expected to be the chamber's last day in Washington before the November midterms. The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), directs state utility regulators to consider, within two years, a standard requiring data centers and other "large-load" customers using more than 100 megawatts to pay the full cost of the new generation, transmission and grid upgrades built to serve them. It leaves the final decision to the states. The bill was the only AI-related measure on the House schedule that week. Polls show wide opposition to new AI data centers: NBC News found about 70% of adults oppose one in their neighborhood. Republican leaders said the bill protects ratepayers while keeping AI development in the United States. Many Democrats voted yes but called the bill a modest first step. Pallone blamed President Trump and GOP leaders for sidelining voters' concerns. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.) and Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) voted no. No Senate action is expected until after the election.
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13 Statements
“The senator from Ohio and I agree on one thing, AI data centers can mean higher costs for American families, and in a lot of places they already do. … I don't think it's enough to just take their word for it. It's not enough for us to tell states to consider making data centers pay for grid updates. Rather than voluntary pledges or suggestions to states, Congress needs to pass real legislation with real teeth.
“[Objecting to Heinrich's GRID Savings Act after Heinrich blocked the Ratepayer Protection Act:] The term do-nothing Congress exists for a reason. We absolutely accomplished that right now.
“AI companies have a serious responsibility to earn the trust of the communities they invest in and to be good neighbors. The Ratepayer Protection Act guarantees hardworking American families won't foot the bill for the buildout of AI infrastructure — or see their energy costs rise to pay for it.
“It makes sure that the ratepayers are protected as you're building out AI infrastructure.
“Americans across the country are furious about the unchecked development of data centers and artificial intelligence. … Unfortunately, these very real concerns are repeatedly swept to the sidelines, minimized or ridiculed by President Trump and Republican congressional leaders.
“As this industry continues to develop, I want to be absolutely clear that we need it to develop here at home and not in China.
“Our communities and the people in our districts are so outraged … all we're going to do is make them pay their own energy costs.
“Hardworking families should not have to subsidize the energy demands of data centers. … We cannot accelerate this growth on the back of Americans working hard to pay their electric bills at the end of the month.
“[The bill] … it's not enough in any way, shape or form.
“[The Ratepayer Protection Act] fails to meaningfully protect our communities.
“I promise that this bill is not the end of our focus on these issues. It's only the beginning. … The president in my opinion is out of touch on this issue and the American people are demanding action.
“Floridians already are dealing with sky-high electric bills. They should not be forced to subsidize the enormous energy demands of the world's richest corporations. If Big Tech builds a massive AI data center, the Big Tech company—not hardworking families, farmers or small businesses—should pay for their power and grid upgrades. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act is an important first step that can help lower costs for our neighbors back home and empower states to set strict guardrails.