LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)
AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 10 Democratic cosponsors · See all 10 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
The AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026 requires developers of AI-focused data centers to disclose specific information before construction begins. These entities must provide details regarding the location and estimated resources or environmental impacts to local officials and the public. To ensure transparency, developers must use various communication methods such as social media, local media, and physical signage. The bill also mandates that an independent third party conduct an environmental impact analysis. Furthermore, the act limits the use of non-disclosure agreements during the establishment process. Finally, the Federal Trade Commission is granted enforcement authority to penalize violations.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires developers to disclose site locations, resource needs, and environmental impacts to local officials and the public.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill mandates independent third-party environmental impact analyses for AI-focused data centers.
- Scored +5
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill enhances transparency by requiring disclosure of resource needs and environmental impacts to the public.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Public Awareness: Developers are required to engage local media, post on social media, send direct mail notices, and place physical signage at proposed sites (Section 2(a)(1)(B)). This ensures that people living near a proposed site are informed of upcoming developments.
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Language Accessibility: Information must be provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and other commonly spoken languages in the area (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(v)). This helps ensure that diverse communities can understand the impact on their local area.
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Environmental Transparency: Developers must disclose estimated resource needs and environmental impacts (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(ii)) and must fund an environmental impact analysis conducted by an independent third party (Section 2(a)(3)). This can help protect natural resources, air quality, water quality, and public health.
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Reduced Secrecy: The bill limits the use of non-disclosure agreements during the establishment process (Section 2(a)(1)(C)) and prohibits their use regarding government entities or public resources (Section 2(a)(1)(D)). This prevents companies from hiding details about their operations from the public and the government.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Corporate Costs: Developers are required to fund environmental impact analyses conducted by independent third parties (Section 2(a)(3)) and must manage various outreach requirements (Section 2(a)(1)(B)). These mandates could increase the overall cost of developing data centers.
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Legal Risk for Developers: Violations of the disclosure requirements are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices, which are subject to the enforcement powers and penalties of the Federal Trade Commission (Section 2(b)(1) and (2)). This creates significant legal and financial liability for companies that fail to comply with the specific disclosure timelines or methods.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes Spanish as a required language for public disclosure materials. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Increased transparency regarding data center impacts benefits residents living near proposed sites. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The mandate for multi-language outreach helps ensure low-income, diverse communities are informed of local developments.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires developers to disclose site locations, resource needs, and environmental impacts to local officials and the public.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill mandates independent third-party environmental impact analyses for AI-focused data centers.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances transparency by requiring disclosure of resource needs and environmental impacts to the public.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill requires disclosure materials to be provided in multiple languages, supporting diverse communities.
- 9/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Veronica EscobarDemocrat · Texas
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
James McGovernDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan