Protecting Communities from Data Centers

Summary#

This bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study how data centers affect the environment and public health. The study must look at noise pollution, air pollution, water consumption, water supply, carbon emissions, and waste including electronic waste. The National Academies would also develop recommendations to reduce those impacts. A report with the study results and recommendations must be submitted to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works no later than 180 days after the law takes effect.

What it means for you#

• Communities near data centers could see an official assessment of local effects, such as noise or water use.
• The EPA and the National Academies would carry out the assessment and provide recommendations to Congress.
• As of the provided information, the bill was introduced on July 9, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs or funding is included in the bill text or metadata. The bill directs the EPA to seek an agreement with the National Academies to do the assessment, but it does not specify how the work would be funded or what the cost would be.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.