Agencies would publish data centers’ water, pollution, and energy use

The EPA would send Congress and the public reports about covered data centers’ water use and greenhouse gas emissions. It covers U.S. facilities that meet a cited federal definition of “data center” and consume at least 50 megawatts each day. The reports must cover water reuse, effects on local water systems, pollutants released into water, and greenhouse gas emissions. The emissions review must include combined effects on communities already facing heavy environmental burdens. The EPA must send each report to Congress and publish it on a website. The first report would be due within six months after enactment. Later reports would be due at least every three months and cover the preceding three months.

The Energy Information Administration would collect energy and grid data and publish reports about covered data centers. It covers U.S. facilities that meet a cited federal definition of “data center” and consume at least 50 megawatts each day. The agency must collect each covered data center’s total energy use, including totals for consecutive six-month periods. It must also collect information on power-grid construction tied to data centers and the types of energy being added. Public reports must include state energy totals, changes in use, newly operating centers, possible household bill changes, and average household energy use and cost. The agency would publish reports at least twice each year. Each report would cover the most recent six-month period.