Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9372
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 1.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T15:07:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create improved methods for measuring energy and water use in data centers, with special attention to artificial intelligence workloads. It also requires a study on data availability to enhance energy and water demand forecasting. The bill aims to support better standards, data sharing, and coordination on these measurements.
Key Provisions
- Establishes a measurement research program at NIST, in consultation with the Department of Energy, to develop best practices, definitions, methodologies, and technical standards for tracking energy and water consumption in data centers.
- Requires research on accuracy of measurements, consideration of workload types (including AI training and inference), power profiles, equipment configurations, and location-specific factors like climate.
- Mandates a study identifying gaps in data collection, availability, and researcher access, along with risks to forecast reliability.
- Supports creation of standardized metrics and data-sharing mechanisms to improve forecasting.
- Requires coordination with the Department of Energy on data management and promotes exchange of information with federal, state, academic, and industry partners.
- Directs coordination with international standards organizations to align global measurement standards.
- Requires stakeholder engagement with industry, academia, nonprofits, and federal agencies.
- Mandates congressional briefings within one and two years of enactment.
- Authorizes $10,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
- Provides definitions for terms such as artificial intelligence, data center, behind-the-meter generation, and front-of-meter generation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a new federal program focused on data center energy metrology at NIST. It does not amend or repeal existing statutes but adds specific responsibilities for measurement research, standards development, and data coordination related to data centers and artificial intelligence workloads.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: NIST gains new research and coordination duties; the Department of Energy participates in implementation and data stewardship.
- Data centers and industry: Operators may face new voluntary or adopted measurement and reporting expectations, potentially affecting operations and technology choices.
- Energy forecasting: Improved data could enhance reliability of demand predictions for utilities and planners.
- International relations: Encourages alignment with global standards organizations, supporting consistent measurement approaches across borders.
- Citizens: Indirect effects may include more accurate energy planning that influences electricity costs and infrastructure decisions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Data center operators and owners.
- Artificial intelligence developers and users.
- Energy utilities and grid operators.
- Researchers and academic institutions.
- Federal agencies including NIST and the Department of Energy.
- Standards development organizations and international partners.
- Congress (through required briefings and appropriations).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation relies on existing agency authority and appropriations, with no apparent constitutional concerns. It emphasizes voluntary coordination and data exchange while protecting proprietary considerations through "as practicable and appropriate" language. The focus on artificial intelligence workloads reflects growing policy attention to computing infrastructure demands without creating new regulatory mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 1.
- 2026-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
- 2026-06-18: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act — issued 2026-06-18 — PDF (7 pages)