Lawmakers Push Back Against Data Center Expansion in Tri-State Region

Proposed federal legislation aims to address utility costs and transparency concerns around data center projects.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:48am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a data center server rack in overlapping, fragmented geometric shapes and waves of cool, muted colors, conceptually representing the rapid growth and technological complexity of the data center industry.As data centers rapidly expand across the Tri-State region, a new federal bill seeks to bring more transparency and cost accountability to these energy-intensive facilities.Cincinnati Today

As communities across the Tri-State region of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana push back against the rapid growth of data centers, citing concerns over secrecy and potential utility rate hikes, U.S. Representative Greg Landsman has introduced federal legislation to address these issues. The bill would require data center companies to pay for their own electricity, preventing utilities from passing those costs onto consumers, and mandate an EPA study on the impact of data centers. It would also declare non-disclosure agreements with public officials unenforceable.

Why it matters

The expansion of data centers has become a contentious issue in many communities, with residents expressing concerns about the lack of transparency around these projects and the potential for higher utility bills. Landsman's proposed legislation aims to address these concerns and provide more oversight and accountability for data center operators.

The details

Landsman's bill would require data center companies to pay for their own electricity, preventing utilities from shifting those costs onto consumers. It would also mandate an EPA study within 180 days of the bill becoming law and declare non-disclosure agreements with public officials unenforceable. The concept echoes a 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' announced by President Trump at the State of the Union in February, but Landsman wants a stronger commitment codified into law.

  • In February 2026, President Trump announced the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' at the State of the Union.
  • In early March 2026, the nation's biggest tech companies signed the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge'.
  • In April 2026, U.S. Representative Greg Landsman introduced federal legislation to address data center expansion in the Tri-State region.

The players

Greg Landsman

A U.S. Representative who has introduced federal legislation to address concerns over data center expansion in the Tri-State region.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who announced the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' at the State of the Union in February 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We're telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs. They can build their own power plants as part of their factories so that no one's prices will go up. In many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community, substantially down.”

— President Donald Trump

“And then the president says, 'Well, I got a deal with these big tech companies, and it's just a handshake. But hey, it's going to work out.' I think it needs to be codified into law.”

— Rep. Greg Landsman, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Landsman's bill has been referred to the House Energy Committee, and he is hoping to gain bipartisan support for the legislation. The bill's prospects will depend on the committee's review and the level of support it receives from other members of Congress.

The takeaway

The rapid expansion of data centers in the Tri-State region has sparked growing concerns among local communities about transparency, utility costs, and the environmental impact of these facilities. Landsman's proposed legislation aims to address these issues by requiring data center operators to be more accountable and providing greater oversight and protection for ratepayers.