NIST would develop standard measures for data center energy and water use
In markupH.R. 9372Latest action
Sponsor: Suhas Subramanyam · Representative · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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NIST and DOE would develop standardized methods to measure data center and AI energy and water use.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill directs NIST, working with the Department of Energy, to create standardized ways to measure energy and water use by data centers, including AI training and operation. NIST would research measurement techniques, develop best practices and definitions, study data access gaps, and help build shared data-tracking systems, coordinating with international partners.
Who does it affect?
NIST and the Department of Energy would lead the work. Data center operators, tech firms running AI systems, utility companies, and researchers or policymakers studying energy demand would be affected.
Why does it matter?
There is currently no consistent method for tracking data center energy and water use, making it difficult to predict future demand as AI systems grow. The bill does not impose new regulations or reporting requirements on data center operators.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- $10 million per year
- funded 2027 through 2029
- for NIST and DOE research
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 18, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 25, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 1.