U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds has introduced federal legislation that would require artificial intelligence data centers to obtain their own electricity and water from alternative sources rather than relying on public utility systems, arguing the proposal would protect American households from rising utility costs as AI infrastructure rapidly expands.
The legislation, titled the Protecting Ratepayers Act, would require companies building and operating AI data centers to provide independent sources of electricity and water instead of drawing those resources from public power grids and municipal water systems. The proposal aligns with President Donald Trump’s voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge, but would make many of those commitments enforceable through federal law while also addressing water consumption.
“The next wave of technology and innovation shouldn’t come at the expense of hardworking Americans,” Donalds said. “Our outdated energy grid is already in desperate need of modernization and is not prepared to take on the power demands of data centers without impacting the wallets of our citizens.”
Donalds, a third-term Republican congressman from Naples and a leading candidate for Florida governor, said the proposal would allow continued investment in artificial intelligence while ensuring residential customers are not forced to subsidize the infrastructure needed to support massive AI facilities.
Bill Builds on Florida’s New Data Center Law
The federal proposal comes just weeks after Florida enacted Senate Bill 484, which requires large data centers to pay for utility infrastructure improvements associated with their projects.
The new Florida law also requires qualifying facilities to disclose water-use and conservation plans, authorizes reclaimed water for cooling systems, and preserves local governments’ authority over zoning, comprehensive planning, and land development regulations affecting data centers.
Donalds’ proposal goes further by requiring AI data centers to obtain independent sources of electricity and water rather than relying on existing public systems.
Data Centers Become Major Campaign Issue
The rapid growth of AI data centers has become one of the defining policy debates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
While Donalds has argued Florida should welcome AI investment, he has also advocated requiring developers to use technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors and closed-loop water recycling systems to reduce pressure on public utilities.
His position has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue the state’s increasing interest in large-scale data center development could strain local infrastructure and natural resources.
Meanwhile, several Florida counties and municipalities have either rejected proposed data centers or adopted temporary moratoriums while evaluating their long-term impacts on surrounding communities.
Poll Shows Public Skepticism
The legislation also arrives as polling suggests many Florida voters remain skeptical about large AI data centers being built near their communities.
A recent survey by the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab found that a majority of Florida voters oppose locating large data centers in their area, reflecting growing concerns over electricity demand, water consumption, land use, and potential increases in utility costs.
If approved by Congress, the Protecting Ratepayers Act would establish nationwide standards requiring AI data center developers to provide alternative electricity generation and water supplies while protecting residential utility customers from infrastructure costs associated with expanding artificial intelligence technology.
Sources
- Office of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds
- Byron Donalds for Governor
- Congress.gov
- Florida Senate Bill 484
- University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab
Related Coverage
- How Florida’s New Data Center Law Could Affect Communities Across the State
- Florida Legislature Approves New Data Center Regulations
- Florida Elections 2026: Governor’s Race
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The post Byron Donalds Introduces Bill Requiring AI Data Centers to Supply Their Own Power and Water appeared first on The Florida Pundit.
