POWER Act

119th Congress Introduced by Chip Roy

The bill requires the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress on electricity and water use by certain data centers.

Introduced in House

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to report to Congress regarding the use of electric energy and water by certain data centers, and for other purposes.

In broad terms, the legislation aims to increase oversight and transparency around energy and water consumption by specific data-center facilities, potentially informing policy, efficiency standards, or investment considerations.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the title)

Mandated reporting: The Secretary of Energy must prepare and deliver a report to Congress that analyzes how certain data centers use electricity and water.

Scope of data centers: The bill specifies “certain data centers,” though the exact criteria (e.g., size, location, ownership, or function) are not detailed in the provided information. The report would presumably categorize facilities that meet those criteria.

Metrics to be reported: The report would likely include energy consumption (electricity usage) and water usage data, potentially along with efficiency measures, cooling methods, or sector-specific considerations. The exact metrics, timeframes, and data collection methods would be defined in the bill text.

Timing and reporting cadence: The bill would establish a deadline or schedule for the Secretary to submit the report to Congress. It may also authorize subsequent updates or follow-up reporting.

Who or what would be affected

Federal agencies: The Department of Energy would be responsible for compiling and delivering the report.

Data centers meeting the bill’s criteria: Facility operators or owners of designated data centers would be indirectly affected, as their energy and water use would be the subject of the report. The bill might also influence how such centers are regulated, monitored, or perceived in policy discussions.

Congress: Legislators would receive a new official data source to inform policy considerations related to data-center energy and water use.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on May 22, 2026.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy.

Next steps: The committee would review the bill, potentially draft amendments, and vote to report it to the full House. If reported, it would proceed to the floor for consideration and potential passage, followed by negotiations with the Senate (if applicable) and reconciliation or passage into law.

Potential impact and considerations

Policy relevance: By focusing on energy and water use in data centers, the bill addresses resources that are critical to data-center operations and their environmental footprint.

Transparency and data quality: The usefulness of the report depends on the criteria for “certain data centers,” the specificity of metrics, and the data sources available to DOE.

Utility of findings: Depending on the findings, the report could inform future efficiency standards, federal procurement considerations, or incentives for water- and energy-saving measures in data-center infrastructure.

If you’d like, I can pull the exact bill text and provide a more detailed point-by-point summary of sections, definitions, and any fiscal implications once available.

Bill