On Thursday, July 23, 2026, President Donald Trump unveiled a significant coalition aimed at protecting American families from rising electricity costs linked to the rapid expansion of data centers across the United States. The announcement took place at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The coalition, known as the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, includes 23 governors, legislators, tech industry leaders, utility CEOs, and 200 other stakeholders who have committed to ensuring that the costs of building and powering data centers are not passed on to consumers. Instead, all parties involved will cover their own expenses.

A White House official confirmed the pledge's broad support, emphasizing the coalition's role in turning data centers into engines of local economic growth while reinforcing America's leadership in the global artificial intelligence race.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized policies such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul's temporary ban on new large data centers, arguing that such measures driven by "green energy mandates" could increase utility costs and hinder U.S. competitiveness against China in AI development.

This initiative reflects the administration's priority to balance technological advancement with consumer protection, ensuring that the growth of data infrastructure does not burden American families financially.

Sources