Updated · Democrats, Energy and Commerce Committee | (.gov) · Jul 20
Pallone Warns Congress May Need Data Center Moratorium at Energy, Health Bills Markup
Updated
Updated · Democrats, Energy and Commerce Committee | (.gov) · Jul 20
Pallone Warns Congress May Need Data Center Moratorium at Energy, Health Bills Markup
2 articles · Updated · Democrats, Energy and Commerce Committee | (.gov) · Jul 20
Summary
Frank Pallone said Congress may need a moratorium on data centers if lawmakers fail to impose stronger guardrails on their effects on air, water, the power grid and monthly electricity bills.
At the Energy and Commerce Committee markup, the New Jersey Democrat said the energy bills are only a start and do not yet make Big Tech and other data-center owners fully cover the demand and energy costs they create.
Pallone also backed a bipartisan pipeline safety compromise and two environment bills aimed at boosting domestic critical-minerals supply while reducing reliance on China.
On health legislation, he highlighted H.R. 9393, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, plus Medicare Advantage transparency measures, drug-cost bills and funding to expand behavioral health services at community health centers.
He opposed tougher pill-press penalties and raised concerns about H.R. 7970, saying permanent Schedule I treatment for the entire nitazene class could hinder research into overdose treatments.