The US Government Is Letting a Key Data Center Regulation Expire

The Federal Data Center Enhancement Act (FDCEA), a key regulation outlining standards for federal data center usage and operations, is set to expire without replacement under the Trump administration. According to sources speaking to WIRED, neither Congress nor the administration is taking significant steps to extend the rule or establish alternative plans, signaling a hands-off approach to data center oversight. Public opposition to data centers has surged in recent months, fueled by concerns over their energy and water consumption amid the AI boom. A Gallup poll from May found over 70% of Americans oppose data center construction in their communities, with resistance spanning political lines in states like Utah and Georgia. Despite this backlash, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not provided guidance on how federal agencies should manage the expiration or continue reporting requirements. The lack of a replacement plan is unusual, as past administrations typically began drafting new policies years before expiration. A GSA employee, speaking anonymously, noted that no such preparations are underway, calling the oversight gap unprecedented. The employee also highlighted concerns that the administration claims private companies will contribute fairly but has not outlined how this will be enforced. Demand for data centers is expected to rise as federal agencies adopt more AI tools. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates data centers could consume at least 9% of US electricity by 2030, doubling their current share. While Congress has introduced data-center-related legislation this year, including bills for environmental reviews and local moratorium protections, none appear poised to address the FDCEA’s expiration directly. WIRED contacted the offices of three senators who originally sponsored the FDCEA but received no response regarding plans to renew or replace the law. The absence of federal action leaves a regulatory void, raising questions about how data center operations will be governed in the near term.