Data Center Series: Water Use and Cooling
This event will take place on Zoom Webinar. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org with any registration or login questions.
As the third session in NACo's Fall Data Center Series, this call will focus on understanding water use and cooling of data centers.
Subject matter experts and local leaders will break down the fundamentals of data center water use by explaining common cooling technologies, the sourcing of water and approaches that counties can use to inform local decision-making. The session will pair expert presentations with facilitated Q&A while setting aside time for counties to connect and share experiences.
U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member introduces legislation to protect ratepayers from costs of data center expansion
On August 3, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Guarding Ratepayers from Increased Demand-costs (GRID) Savings Act of 2026. The proposed legislation would create a process for large electricity users to pay for any infrastructure costs associated with increased demand for the electric grid.
Senate Agriculture Committee holds Farm Bill markup, remains in committee
On August 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency releases new guidelines for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
On June 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule updating its implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The updated rule follows EO 14154, Unleashing American Energy, and the Seven County Infrastructure v. Eagle County, Colo. decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Senate begins reauthorization process for State Revolving Fund programs and other water infrastructure programs
On July 13, leaders of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee released the text of its Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026). In addition to reauthorizing major projects through the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers (Army Corps), the bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.
U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advances 2026 Water Resources Development Act
On July 14, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee favorably reported H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) by a bipartisan 66-0 vote. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The WRDA 2026 markup was originally scheduled for July 1 but was rescheduled to July 14 due to changes to the House calendar.