H.R. 9629: Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to try to make an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study how data centers affect the environment and public health.

What the study would cover

The assessment would look at several possible impacts of data centers, including:

• noise pollution
• air pollution
• water consumption
• effects on local water supply
• carbon emissions
• waste, including electronic waste

What else the bill would require

In addition to identifying these impacts, the National Academies would also develop recommendations on how to reduce or limit them. The final report would have to be submitted to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works within 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Practical effect

The bill does not directly regulate data centers or set limits on how they operate. Instead, it would create a federal study and provide Congress with information and policy recommendations that could be used later if lawmakers decide to take further action.

Relevant Companies

None found