What Next | Daily News and Analysis The Senator Going After Data Centers
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Feb 13, 2026 
Senator Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat focused on federal policy and energy, discusses how data centers strain grids and raise consumer electricity costs. He outlines a bill to make companies pay for power connections and prevent cost-shifting. He also talks about DHS/ICE oversight, proposed reforms, and how Congress should use appropriations to enforce accountability.
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Data Centers Should Pay Their Own Grid Costs
- Chris Van Hollen says data centers are making consumers pick up grid and transmission costs and risking brownouts.
- His "Power for the People" bill would create a separate rate class and require data centers to pay their own power and transmission costs.
Require Conditions For Grid Access
- Van Hollen proposes a federal mechanism to allow grid operators to refuse new data center hookups unless conditions are met.
- He advises preferring lower-carbon facilities and those that pay decent wages as part of conditioning access.
Pledges Need Legal Teeth
- Voluntary corporate pledges are insufficient because they lack enforcement and legal teeth.
- Van Hollen wants statutory requirements so public service commissions and grid operators can enforce promises.