Defending Our Energy and Water Act
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10004, the Defending Our Energy and Water Act, would amend federal law governing data centers to add new requirements aimed at protecting water resources. Within 180 days of enactment, the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government would have to update the existing minimum requirements for new federal data centers to include water-protection measures, such as using the most water-efficient cooling systems available. The bill also extends the sunset date for that underlying data-center requirements authority from 2026 to 2031. Separately, it amends title 10 of the U.S. Code to require that data center energy efficiency planning also identify and incorporate water efficiency technologies, in order to improve resiliency and reduce the impact of data center operations on water supplies.
The bill primarily affects federal agencies that operate or oversee data centers, including entities subject to Department of Defense data center standards under title 10. Indirectly, it could affect contractors and technology providers involved in designing or building federal data centers, as they would need to meet updated water- and energy-efficiency standards.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Hillary Scholten, with Rep. Subramanyam as a cosponsor. It has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration. As an introduced bill, it would need to be approved by both committees, pass the full House and Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10004 do?
- H.R. 10004, the Defending Our Energy and Water Act, would amend federal law governing data centers to add new requirements aimed at protecting water resources. Within 180 days of enactment, the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government would have to update the existing minimum requirements for new federal data centers to include water-protection measures, such as using the most water-efficient cooling systems available. The bill also extends the sunset date for that underlying data-center requirements authority from 2026 to 2031. Separately, it amends title 10 of the U.S. Code to require that data center energy efficiency planning also identify and incorporate water efficiency technologies, in order to improve resiliency and reduce the impact of data center operations on water supplies. The bill primarily affects federal agencies that operate or oversee data centers, including entities subject to Department of Defense data center standards under title 10. Indirectly, it could affect contractors and technology providers involved in designing or building federal data centers, as they would need to meet updated water- and energy-efficiency standards. The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Hillary Scholten, with Rep. Subramanyam as a cosponsor. It has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Armed Services for consideration. As an introduced bill, it would need to be approved by both committees, pass the full House and Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 10004 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, H.R. 10004 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10004?
- H.R. 10004 was sponsored by Rep. Hillary Scholten [D-MI3] (Democrat-MI), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10004?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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