Summarized by Jennifer Rae Vliet, News Editor of The Plain Truth
Original reporting by The Center Square, via Just the News
The data center grid bill advanced in the U.S. Senate on a 73–25 vote. Supporters say the measure would protect households from paying for grid upgrades needed to serve data centers. Lawmakers in both chambers are seeking changes.
What the Senate vote means for the data center grid bill
The vote opened the way for debate on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Sheldon Whitehouse, Martin Heinrich and Mike Lee wrote the bill. The 73–25 vote was procedural. A final vote on the bill would come separately.
Where lawmakers want changes
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie wants changes to the bill’s grid reliability provisions. Those provisions aim to prevent blackouts and keep power plants running.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto want amendments that preserve tribal reviews involving historic and sacred sites. Both senators voted to advance the measure and are seeking changes before final passage.
From our archives
Earlier Plain Truth coverage of data center projects