Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Data Center Fairness Fee Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to charge certain large facilities, like data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, based on how much electricity they use. Beginning in 2027, these facilities will pay one cent per kilowatt-hour of total electricity consumed. Starting in 2028, facilities that use electricity with a high carbon intensity will face an additional charge of five cents per kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also directs the EPA to set up reporting rules to track energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions at these facilities. Finally, the money collected from these charges will be sent to states and Indian Tribes to fund low-income energy assistance, home energy efficiency programs, and efforts to lower residential utility bills.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +6
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The legislation establishes direct electricity consumption charges, emissions penalties, and mandatory reporting rules specifically targeting large data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations.
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill imposes financial charges on high-carbon electricity consumption by large facilities like data centers and crypto miners, incentivizing lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Revenue from the electricity charges is specifically allocated to fund low-income home energy assistance and programs that directly reduce residential utility bills.
The opposite
- Scored -4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Owners and operators of large data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities face substantial new electricity consumption and carbon-intensity charges.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Lower Home Energy Bills and Assistance for Low-Income Families: Section 2 adds subsection (d) to the bill, which states that the funds collected from the electricity charges will be given to states and Indian Tribes. These funds must be used for programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, home energy efficiency programs, or approved programs that directly reduce residential utility bills for everyday people.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential for Higher Costs Passed to Consumers: Section 2 adds subsection (a) and subsection (b) to the bill, which impose direct financial charges of one cent per kilowatt-hour on electricity consumption and an extra five cents per kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions for high-pollution facilities. Because these rules apply to large data centers and cryptocurrency operations that provide digital services, there is a risk that facility owners might pass these new operational costs down to everyday consumers who use digital services and platforms.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill imposes financial charges on high-carbon electricity consumption by large facilities like data centers and crypto miners, incentivizing lower greenhouse gas emissions. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The EPA is directed to establish comprehensive reporting rules tracking energy use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions at large applicable facilities. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The additional carbon-intensity charge encourages applicable facilities to utilize cleaner, time-matched renewable energy sources to avoid financial penalties. Does this invest in rural communities? — Funds allocated to states and Indian Tribes support regional utility bill reduction and efficiency programs that can benefit rural communities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The EPA is required to issue regulations establishing a reporting program that ensures transparency and accuracy in tracking electricity, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Collected fee revenues are distributed directly to states and Indian Tribes to administer local energy efficiency and assistance programs according to established formulas. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the EPA new regulatory authority to impose electricity charges and mandate reporting programs for specific large facilities nationwide.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Revenue from the electricity charges is specifically allocated to fund low-income home energy assistance and programs that directly reduce residential utility bills. Would children be better off under this? — Lower residential utility bills and improved home energy efficiency programs help support low-income families with children. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Programs funded by the bill aim to reduce residential utility bills and peak electricity demand for everyday consumers. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — States and Indian Tribes receive funding for energy efficiency and utility reduction programs that extend into rural areas. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Funding for low-income energy assistance and residential utility bill reductions provides tangible support for fixed-income seniors. Would business owners be better off under this? — Owners and operators of large data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities face substantial new electricity consumption and carbon-intensity charges.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The legislation establishes direct electricity consumption charges, emissions penalties, and mandatory reporting rules specifically targeting large data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Funds collected from facility charges are directed toward low-income energy assistance and home energy efficiency programs, helping reduce poverty burdens related to utility costs.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill generates revenue through charges on large electricity-consuming facilities, which helps fund energy assistance programs without increasing federal outlays.
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House