WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Darline Graham (R-South Carolina) today said Senate Democrats should be blamed for any citizen who faces rising energy costs because of data center construction.
A majority of Senate Democrats voted to prevent the legislation from moving forward, even though it passed the U.S. House of Representatives in an overwhelming bipartisan 417-3 vote.
Graham voted to advance legislation she cosponsored, the Ratepayer Protection Act (S. 5028), which ensures hard working Americans are not left paying for the energy needs of data centers.
Senator Darline Graham said, “I am very disappointed in Senate Democrats for blocking this important legislation. We had a chance to protect hardworking families and small businesses from rising energy costs caused by data centers. But Senate Democrats, instead of passing this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation, said ‘No.’
“In order to protect our national security, it’s imperative we are able to compete with China, but that cost should not be passed on to consumers. It’s also imperative that local communities are actively involved in any decision whether to bring data centers to their community because they know what’s best.”
“Data centers should have to pay for any new energy infrastructure they need and that’s the standard set forth by the Ratepayer Protection Act.”
“I find it ridiculous that Democrats won’t work with Republicans to pass this extremely reasonable proposal.”
Background on the Ratepayer Protection Act:
- The House passed the bill 417–3 on September 16, 2026.
- It directs state utility commissions to consider new standards for data centers drawing more than 100 megawatts of power.
- 100 megawatts of power are equivalent to roughly 100,000 homes
- These standards would protect ratepayers from paying the costs of new power infrastructure needed to serve data centers.
- Implementation is left up to the states and utility commissions.
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