Congressman Gary Palmer Leads Hearing on Safeguarding U.S. Drinking Water Amidst Data Center Growth
Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a hearing titled 'Reliable Water in the Digital Age: Examining Legislation to Strengthen Drinking Water Systems and Protect Ratepayers.' The hearing addressed the impact of data centers on local water systems and the need to protect ratepayers from increased costs. Chairman Palmer emphasized that while data centers drive investment, economic growth, and job creation, these benefits should not burden families and small businesses with higher water rates. The discussion included reauthorizing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and considering legislation like the Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2026, which aims to modernize water systems, support rural communities, and address cybersecurity risks. The Water Cost Accountability Act was also mentioned as a means to ensure communities and ratepayers are protected from infrastructure costs directly attributable to data centers. The hearing highlig... 
