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HR 10005

Data Center Resource Disclosure Act

119th Congress Introduced by Hillary Scholten and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires an annual nationwide survey of U.S. data centers’ energy and water use, publishing an interactive map and highlighting nonresponses to inform future policy.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 10005

Data Center Resource Disclosure Act (H.R. 10005, 119th Congress)

Purpose

  • Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a nationwide survey of data center resource consumption and to engage stakeholders in the process.
  • Aims to improve transparency and provide a basis for potential future regulation or policy improvement related to data center energy and water use.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Survey Mandate and Scope

    • The Assistant Secretary must conduct an annual survey, starting within 180 days of enactment and continuing every year thereafter.
    • The survey requests data-center operators in the United States to voluntarily provide:
    • Energy consumption for the preceding 12-month period.
    • Water consumption for the preceding 12-month period.
    • The process includes an open channel for comments from individuals and entities, such as:
    • Public utility boards
    • Labor organizations
    • State regulatory authorities
    • Public interest organizations representing consumers

  • Publication and Reporting of Results

    • Within 180 days after each survey, the Assistant Secretary must publish the results on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) website.
    • The published results must include:
    • An interactive map of the United States displaying data center resource information.
    • Identification of data centers that did not provide complete information.
    • A summary of comments received in relation to the survey process.
    • The Assistant Secretary must also submit to Congress a report with recommendations to improve data center regulation, including considerations related to transparency.

  • Coordination with Other Agencies

    • The initiative requires coordination with:
    • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    • Department of Energy (DOE)
    • Other federal departments or agencies as deemed appropriate by the Assistant Secretary

  • Definitions

    • “Assistant Secretary” refers to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
    • “Data center” is defined as the term used in 42 U.S.C. 17112(a) (Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007).

Who Is Affected

  • Data center operators located in the United States (participation is voluntary, but under a structured federal survey and data publication framework).
  • Stakeholders in public utilities, labor organizations, state regulators, and consumer-focused public interest groups (who may participate in commenting).
  • Federal agencies involved in energy, environment, and communications policy through coordination requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Initial Timeline

    • Survey to be conducted no later than 180 days after enactment.
    • Annual survey cycle thereafter.

  • Results Publication

    • Results published no later than 180 days after each survey iteration.
    • Publication format includes an interactive national map and detailed disclosures of response completeness and public comments.

  • Legislative Process

    • Introduced July 30, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
    • Bill has two sponsors: Representative Hillary Scholten and Representative Suhas Subramanyam (plus a listed co-sponsor).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Transparency and Data Availability

    • Produces publicly accessible data on energy and water use by data centers, enabling better understanding of resource intensity and regional variations.
    • The interactive national map enhances visibility of data center resource consumption across the country.

  • Policy Implications

    • The accompanying Congress-reported recommendations could inform potential future regulatory frameworks or voluntary standards related to data center efficiency and transparency.

  • Limitations

    • Participation is voluntary; the quality and completeness of data depend on operator cooperation.
    • Data is published with publicly disclosed results and identified gaps for non-responsive centers.

This bill focuses on creating a standardized, annual snapshot of energy and water use by U.S. data centers and opening a channel for stakeholder input to inform future regulatory considerations and transparency initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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