Lawler Pushes to Ensure Data Center Growth Benefits New York Communities as Ratepayer Protection Act Passes House

Washington, D.C. – 9/16/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act , bipartisan legislation to ensure large electricity customers pay the costs associated with the additional strain they place on the electric grid, passed the House. The bill is designed to prevent existing residents and small businesses from being forced to subsidize the infrastructure costs created by data centers. The bill passed the House with a vote of 417-3. In July 2026, this legislation advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee by a unanimous vote of 52-0. WATCH: CONGRESSMAN LAWLER DEBATE IN FAVOR OF RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT ON HOUSE FLOOR The issue is particularly relevant in New York, where years of failed energy policies out of Albany have driven electricity costs among the highest in the country. In February, the average residential electricity price in New York was approximately 70 percent higher than the national average. At the same time, data centers seeking to connect to New York’s electric grid have reportedly requested more than 9,000 megawatts of additional electricity. “New York families and businesses already face some of the highest electricity costs in the country. As we work to bring new investment and jobs to New York, we cannot ask families and small businesses to foot the bill for the massive infrastructure costs created by new data centers and other energy-intensive facilities,” said Congressman Lawler. “If a company is creating significant new demand on our electric grid, it should be responsible for the costs that come with that demand, not New York ratepayers. We can support innovation, investment, and good-paying jobs while making sure hardworking families aren’t left holding the bill,” concluded Congressman Lawler. Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs. ###