A new bipartisan bill, H.R. 9430, titled the "Ratepayer Protection Act," proposes that tech companies cover the full cost of energy used by AI data centers and their impact on local power grids, rather than offloading costs onto residents and small businesses. Sponsored by Republican Colorado Representative Gabe Evans and Democratic Florida Representative Kathy Castor, the legislation has garnered bipartisan support. On Wednesday, June 24, the subcommittee voted to send the measure to the full Energy & Commerce Committee. Google and Microsoft have pledged to cover their own costs, with Google calling the bill a "positive step" and Microsoft deeming it an "important step." The Data Center Coalition (DCC) is reviewing the bill and plans to work with policymakers on energy cost solutions, according to DCC's senior director of federal affairs, Cy McNeill.