Story perspectives

Senate Democrats move to block data-center cost bill

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 6:38 PM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

Senate Democrats plan to block the Ratepayer Protection Act that would limit data-center utility costs.
The bill passed the House 417-3 on Sept. 16, with only three Democrats voting against it.
Republican Sen. Jon Husted (Ohio) said the bill is his only chance to reach President Donald Trump.
A YouGov poll in Ohio found 75 % of likely voters oppose local data-center construction.

History

Historical Context

President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, providing billions of dollars in tax incentives and establishing new energy-efficiency standards. The legislation marked the first major federal push to curb power use in large facilities. Senate Democrats now block the 2024 Ratepayer Protection Act, echoing the same dispute over utility costs and technology growth.

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Story summary

Senate Democrats plan to block the Ratepayer Protection Act that would limit data-center utility costs.
The bill passed the House 417-3 on Sept. 16, with only three Democrats voting against it.
Republican Sen. Jon Husted (Ohio) said the bill is his only chance to reach President Donald Trump.
A YouGov poll in Ohio found 75 % of likely voters oppose local data-center construction.

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