Responsible Data Center Siting Act of 2026
Latest action (8 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10321, the Responsible Data Center Siting Act of 2026, would direct the Secretary of Energy, working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Defense, and other relevant agencies, to develop best practices for choosing where to locate data centers. In doing so, the Secretary would have to consider factors such as effects on the electric grid and transmission infrastructure, electricity prices, water use and availability, environmental impacts (including air and water quality, ecosystems, and emissions), effects on local communities (noise, light, and community character), national security implications, and impacts on local jobs, workforce, and tax revenue. The resulting guidance must identify site characteristics that minimize negative impacts and list locations considered ideal for siting data centers.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy and other federal agencies involved in energy and infrastructure policy, as well as companies planning to build data centers, local communities near proposed sites, utilities, and state and local governments concerned with grid capacity, environmental effects, and economic development. It does not itself regulate or restrict data center construction; it creates non-binding guidance intended to inform siting decisions.
The Secretary would have one year after enactment to publish the initial best practices on DOE's website, and would be required to review and revise them at least every two years afterward. The bill was introduced on September 8, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become 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 September 8, 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. 10321 do?
- H.R. 10321, the Responsible Data Center Siting Act of 2026, would direct the Secretary of Energy, working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of Defense, and other relevant agencies, to develop best practices for choosing where to locate data centers. In doing so, the Secretary would have to consider factors such as effects on the electric grid and transmission infrastructure, electricity prices, water use and availability, environmental impacts (including air and water quality, ecosystems, and emissions), effects on local communities (noise, light, and community character), national security implications, and impacts on local jobs, workforce, and tax revenue. The resulting guidance must identify site characteristics that minimize negative impacts and list locations considered ideal for siting data centers. The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy and other federal agencies involved in energy and infrastructure policy, as well as companies planning to build data centers, local communities near proposed sites, utilities, and state and local governments concerned with grid capacity, environmental effects, and economic development. It does not itself regulate or restrict data center construction; it creates non-binding guidance intended to inform siting decisions. The Secretary would have one year after enactment to publish the initial best practices on DOE's website, and would be required to review and revise them at least every two years afterward. The bill was introduced on September 8, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and presidential signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 10321 become law?
- Not yet. As of 8 Sep 2026, H.R. 10321 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10321?
- H.R. 10321 was sponsored by Rep. Suhas Subramanyam [D-VA10] (Democrat-VA), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10321?
- Introduced (8 Sep 2026).
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