House Energy and Commerce Committee moves to address data center water use

Published August 27, 2026 4:00pm ET | Updated August 27, 2026 4:38pm ET



The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will weigh in on legislation to address water use by data centers as public backlash against artificial intelligence facilities grows.

The committee plans to hold a hearing on Thursday, Sept. 3, to discuss a draft of the Water Cost Accountability Act, which is aimed at ensuring communities do not bear costs from data center water consumption or infrastructure, a committee spokesperson told the Washington Examiner.

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