Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA)
Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 1.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act. It directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop best practices for measuring how much energy and water data centers use. The bill also requires a study on data availability to improve energy demand forecasting capabilities. Additionally, the Director must coordinate with the Secretary of Energy and international partners on these energy metrics and data sharing. Finally, the bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to carry out these activities.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill specifically funds a NIST measurement research program and promotes exchange with academia.
- Scored +3
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Better measurement and forecasting of energy use are foundational for reducing the carbon footprint of AI and data centers.
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill includes measuring water use, helping to identify and mitigate environmental impacts on local water sources.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes new government spending of $10 million annually from 2027 to 2029.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes additional federal spending for the NIST research program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)(2) direct the creation of best practices, definitions, and procedures for measuring energy and water use by data centers, including artificial intelligence workloads. This might be considered positive because it helps clearly track resources used by heavy computing technologies.
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Section 2(b)(3) requires a study on data needs, existing gaps in data collection, and researcher access related to energy and water demand forecasting. This could be positive by identifying what information is missing so researchers can better understand resource demands.
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Section 2(b)(5) promotes the full and open exchange of metrics and data at Federal and State levels, as well as with academia and industry. This might be considered positive because it encourages transparency and sharing of information with the public and relevant experts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(e) authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2029 to carry out these activities. This could be considered a negative burden because it spends taxpayer money on these government programs.
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 bill includes measuring water use, helping to identify and mitigate environmental impacts on local water sources. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Better measurement and forecasting of energy use are foundational for reducing the carbon footprint of AI and data centers. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Improved energy demand forecasting helps utilities better integrate renewable energy sources to meet data center needs.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill specifically funds a NIST measurement research program and promotes exchange with academia. Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — While not regulatory, creating standards for reporting energy use increases transparency for large technology companies.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Data center operators benefit from standardized reporting and improved resource forecasting. Would students be better off under this? — Academic engagement and open data exchange provide more research opportunities for students.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill promotes the open exchange of metrics and data at Federal and State levels. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Standardized metrics across states facilitate more consistent business operations for data center providers. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants NIST the authority to develop national best practices and standards.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages coordination with international partners and standards organizations. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — International coordination on technical standards promotes diplomatic cooperation. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Global standardization of data center metrics can facilitate cross-border business operations.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Standardized metrics for data center energy use can improve operational efficiency and infrastructure planning. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes additional federal spending for the NIST research program. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes new government spending of $10 million annually from 2027 to 2029.
- 11/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/5/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/14/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/25/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 1.
- 6/23/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- 6/18/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona
Hillary ScholtenDemocrat · Michigan
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia