Heinrich Statement on Vote Against Husted-Backed Bill that Fails to Make Data Centers Pay for Grid Upgrades

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after voting against advancing U.S. Senator Jon Husted's (R-Ohio) Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that fails to make AI data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require - burdening American families with higher electricity costs.

"The Ratepayer Protection Act is exactly what Congress is known for: all message and no substance. If voluntary pledges and suggestions worked, families and small businesses wouldn't be staring down rate hikes right now.

"I want Congress to pass legislation with real teeth that will require data centers to pay their fair share of the grid upgrades they require and doesn't shift costs onto American families. Husted's bill fails to do both.

"I'm pushing for legislation that will actually hold AI data centers accountable for their energy usage and lower electricity bills for Americans."

Last week, Heinrich blocked Husted's attempt to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act via a Unanimous Consent (UC) agreement and urged his Senate colleagues to instead pass his GRID Savings Act, which forces large load customers - like data centers - to pay for the facilities needed to connect them to the grid.

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