Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
Liquid Cooling for AI Act of 2025
A Republican bill with 8 Democratic cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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, known as the "Liquid Cooling for AI Act of 2025," directs the Comptroller General to perform a technology assessment on liquid-cooling systems for AI and high-performance computing. The assessment will look into research needs, market trends, and the costs and benefits of these systems. It also requires the development of best-practice guidance for Federal agencies to ensure efficient and cost-effective deployment. The Comptroller General must consult with a designated industry organization and various stakeholders during this process. Following the review, the Secretary of Energy will evaluate the findings and submit an assessment to Congress.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +3
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The bill aims to support the global lead in AI technologies by optimizing compute capacity and infrastructure.
- Scored +2
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The assessment includes evaluating opportunities for reusing waste heat from data centers.
- Scored +2
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?
The bill evaluates avoided costs related to new electric transmission and infrastructure upgrades.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Improved Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: The review aims to evaluate avoided costs of energy, including deferred and avoided new electric transmission and infrastructure upgrades (Section 3(b)(2)).
- Increased Computing Power: The assessment includes looking at how increased compute capacity can be achieved by using more energy for computing workloads instead of cooling (Section 3(b)(3)).
- Environmental and Resource Benefits: The bill looks into opportunities for reusing waste heat produced by data centers (Section 3(b)(10)).
- Informed Government Decision-Making: A comprehensive assessment is intended to inform efficient and cost-effective deployment decisions across the Federal Government (Section 2(6) and (7)).
- Standardization and Security: The review seeks to develop industry standards and methods to enhance the security, reliability, and resilience of computing equipment and data centers (Section 3(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Equipment Failure or Damage: The review must account for potential failure scenarios, such as pump failures or fluid leaks, which could impact computing environments (Section 3(b)(11)).
- Cybersecurity and Performance Risks: The assessment includes researching the potential negative effects of liquid cooling on computing performance, resiliency, and cybersecurity (Section 3(b)(4)).
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 better protect air, water and wildlife? — The assessment includes evaluating opportunities for reusing waste heat from data centers. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill evaluates avoided costs related to new electric transmission and infrastructure upgrades.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill aims to support the global lead in AI technologies by optimizing compute capacity and infrastructure.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill seeks to establish industry standards and best practices for data center operations.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill directs a review of research and development needs for liquid cooling technologies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires a formal report to be submitted to Congressional committees.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill directs a survey of the effects of liquid cooling on cybersecurity to enhance data center resilience.
- 3/19/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/14/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 12/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/21/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 10/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/18/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/15/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/11/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jim CostaDemocrat · California
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Vince FongRepublican · California
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Josh HarderDemocrat · California
Erin HouchinRepublican · Indiana
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Sarah McBrideDemocrat · Delaware
Derek TranDemocrat · California
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia