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{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story House expected to pass data center electricity rate billThe House on Tuesday night is expected to pass a bill aimed at shielding Americans from increased electricity costs associated with data centers.© Greg Nash The bill requires states to consider taking up standards that would force tech companies to shoulder the electricity cost increases associated with large data centers but doesn't actually require them to regulate. The bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, sponsored by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Gabe Evans (R-Colo) is expected to pass under a fast-track process known as suspension of the rules. The vote comes at a moment of rising backlash to both AI itself and the data centers that power it. The legislation describes a framework under which facilities that demand a lot of electricity, like large data centers, would be charged a rate that would cover the full cost of any additional power production or electricity infrastructure required to meet their demand so that costs do not fall on the general public. It does not force state regulators to adopt the framework, but says states must hold a hearing on such a policy within two years of the bill’s enactment. The bill’s supporters describe it as a solid push that could ultimately spur state-level action to protect consumers. Critics, however, say it is toothless and may not spur significant changes at a time when AI data centers threaten to drive up electricity costs and destabilize the grid. Read more tonight after the anticipated vote at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Iran war likely to drive up inflation next year, CBO says The U.S. war against Iran is likely to drive up inflation early next year and could cost at least $2 billion a month as long as it continues, according to a new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Full Story Maine senators push for Senate to take up House whale bill championed by lobster industry Maine’s two senators are urging the Senate Commerce Committee to take up and advance House-passed legislation that would extend a pause in rulemaking on protections for the right whales in an effort to safeguard the state’s lobster industry. Full Story 6 takeaways as Trump takes sledgehammer to power plant climate regs The Trump administration on Monday gutted the rules governing the nation’s climate regulations for power plants. Full Story What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics:Chemours, DuPont, Corteva settle multi-million PFAS lawsuit with NC localities (Port City Daily) Oil Executives Say the Great Fuel Crisis Is Here (The Wall Street Journal)A MESSAGE FROM On Tap Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on a variety of billsThe Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will consider various legislationThe House Natural Resources Committee will hold two hearings on bills related to federal lands as well as water, wildlife and fisheries What Others are Reading Two key stories on The Hill right now: Two Democrats cross aisle to help tee up final vote on Russia sanctions bill The House on Tuesday advanced legislation that would grant President Trump tariff authorities on countries who purchase Russian energy and extend existing sanctions on Iran, clearing a major procedural hurdle. Read more GOP senator presses Patel on FBI policy change: ‘Why would you get into bestiality?’ It’s not a topic often discussed in the halls of Congress, but Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) grilled FBI Director Kash Patel as he said he was just “trying to understand” a recent change in policy regarding bestiality. Read more You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! [sailthru_widget name="Sailthru Widget Block" sailthru_list="Energy and Environment" title="Energy & Environment"]document fetched 2026-09-16 02:56 · canonical https://thehill.com/newsletters/energy-environment/6091753-house-set-to-vote-on-electricity-ratepayer-bill