BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code ? 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If "YES" Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code ? 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt Recommended Positions on Federal Legislation: H.R. 9372 (Subramanyam) - Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act; and Other Legislation that may Require Consideration by the Board.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt a Position of "Support and Amend" on H.R. 9372 (Subramanyam) - Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act.
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SUMMARY:
H.R. 9372 (Subramanyam) - Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act
Recommended Position: Support and Amend
Priority Recommendation: 3
This bill would authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in consultation with the Department of Energy, to develop a program for researching best practices in measuring and reporting energy and water use by data centers. Establishing these standardized metrics and data sharing mechanisms would help provide policymakers and other interested parties with improved energy and water demand forecasting capabilities.
Proposed Amendment:
The bill as amended and passed by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is significantly softer than originally written, merely authorizing the program at the NIST instead of directing its creation and removing the authorization of appropriations. This essentially makes the bill voluntary. Staff recommends supporting the bill as originally written to ensure that NIST develops the research program, and authorizing funding to carry that program out.
Status:
The bill was introduced in the House on June 18, 2026. The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology reported it favorably, as amended, on June 25.
Importance to Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water):
The rapid expansion of data centers throughout California and across the nation raises serious concerns over the centers' water and energy usage. Availability of d...
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