Senate Democrats Block 417-3 AI Power Bill as Heinrich Demands Tougher 150-MW Rules
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 17
Senate Democrats Block 417-3 AI Power Bill as Heinrich Demands Tougher 150-MW Rules
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 17
Summary
Sen. Martin Heinrich blocked a unanimous-consent push to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act, effectively killing its chances before the Senate leaves in two weeks.
Heinrich said the bill relied on voluntary state action and lacked enforceable limits to stop residents from absorbing data-center-related grid and power costs.
The House had passed the measure 417-3 a day earlier; it would have let states adopt rules requiring AI data centers using 100 megawatts or more to fund new generation and transmission.
Heinrich instead backed his GRID Savings Act, which would give FERC authority over facilities drawing 150 megawatts or more and require them to pay grid-upgrade costs.
The clash lands as the U.S. expects 1,000 major data centers in five years and as the issue gains political weight ahead of November's election.