Senate advances permitting bill that would make big AI data centers pay for grid upgrades
The Senate voted 73-25 on Monday to begin debate on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, a Trump-backed bill from Sens. Capito, Lee, Whitehouse and Heinrich that would speed federal permitting for energy, transmission and other infrastructure projects. A key provision would require new data centers drawing 20 megawatts or more to pay the full cost of the grid upgrades needed to serve them rather than passing those costs to other utility customers. Final passage is not assured, with environmental groups and some Democrats opposing the bill.
Source: Reuters