Josh Hawley backs nationwide data center construction pause

Sen. Josh Hawley called for a temporary nationwide moratorium on data center construction until Congress guarantees utility customers will not face related rate increases, according to Politico. The Missouri Republican is the first Republican in the U.S. Senate to support a national pause.

Hawley included the moratorium among his priorities for the lame duck session of Congress. His spokesperson said the pause should remain until lawmakers pass a bill of rights that guarantees taxpayers will not face rate increases.

The House previously passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, which seeks to prevent data centers from shifting electricity generation, transmission and grid upgrade costs to other customers. Senate Democrats blocked the measure, saying it lacked sufficient enforcement powers.