What does Preamble of Data Center Community Impact Act do?

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study. The study will focus on the effect of data centers on communities of color and low-income communities.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Data Center Community Impact Act do?

This bill is formally titled Data Center Community Impact Act

What does FINDINGS. of Data Center Community Impact Act do?

Data centers consume a significant and growing amount of energy in the United States Energy usage of data centers has tripled over the last decade and is projected to double or triple again by 2028 Data centers also consume large amounts of water, with 17 billion gallons used in 2023 Vulnerable populations are disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards related to data centers The Federal Government has a responsibility to protect public health and community safety

What does STUDY AND REPORT ON THE EFFECT OF DATA CENTERS ON COMMUNITIES of Data Center Community Impact Act do?

This section mandates a study by the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other agencies, on the effects of data centers on communities of color and low-income communities. The study must include information on water and energy consumption by data centers, air quality impacts, effects on soil and land use, impacts on the electric grid, wastewater systems, job creation/displacement, tax revenue, property values, and public health risks. The Secretary of Energy is required to consult with local government entities and Indian Tribes during the study. A report, including a map identifying data center locations relative to vulnerable communities, must be submitted to Congress within 18 months of enactment. The report should include recommendations for federal coordination and best practices for states and local governments to mitigate potential harms.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Data Center Community Impact Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Community of color” is defined as a geographically distinct area where the population of Black, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino, or Middle Eastern or North African individuals exceeds the state average for that category. “Data center” is defined by reference to section 453(a) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. “Indian Tribe” is defined by reference to section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. “Local governmental entity” refers to municipal or county governments with jurisdiction over local land use decisions. “Low-income community” is defined as a census block group where 30% or more of the population has an annual household income at or below 80% of the area’s median income (as reported by HUD) or 200% of the Federal poverty line. “State” includes the District of Columbia and any territory of the United States.

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Data Center Community Impact Act

Last updated: 3/5/2026 · Introduced: 3/5/2026

Author: Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on the effects of data centers on communities of color and low-income communities, including impacts on water and energy consumption, air quality, and public health.
The study will identify data center locations relative to vulnerable communities and include recommendations for federal coordination and best practices for mitigating potential harms.
The Secretary of Energy must consult with local government entities and Indian Tribes during the study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of enactment.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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