AI Data Center Energy Costs and Federal-State Policy Response

White House 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' signed by Kentucky utilities and 23 governors to address AI data center energy costs. ICF analysis projects 15-40% bill increases by 2030. Bipartisan House bill introduced requiring data centers to fund grid upgrades. Raises questions about pledge effectiveness and cost-shifting. Relevant for policy professionals tracking energy regulation and AI infrastructure. Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up (July 20) covers geothermal R&D, grid modernization, wildfire prevention, and resilience strategy bills. House Energy Chair Alvarez pushing legislative package including Waste-to-Energy, Energy Storage, FERC restructuring, and Biofuels acts.