Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have introduced the Liquid Cooling for AI Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at advancing U.S. infrastructure for artificial intelligence. The legislation calls for a thorough technology assessment on the use of liquid cooling in American data centers, focusing on how this technology can improve AI computing capabilities. It also seeks to establish government-wide best practices to guide federal adoption of liquid cooling methods, enhance security and reliability in data centers, and set standards that encourage wider adoption across both public and private sectors.
“As AI systems grow more powerful, the infrastructurerequired to support them must evolve just as quickly,” said Rep. Obernolte.“Liquid cooling is a critical innovation that will reduce energy use, improveefficiency, and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of AIdevelopment. By driving federal adoption, we can set the pace for the privatesector and create a unified approach that strengthens America’s AI ecosystem.”
“Data centers are critical parts of our AI infrastructure,but they can require a lot of energy — contributing to rising utility costs forfamilies. That’s why I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Liquid Cooling forAI Act to put in place a clear strategy that will support new technologies,make our data centers more efficient, and help bring costs back down,” saidCongressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “With this legislation, we won’t haveto choose between innovation and affordability. Together we will help ensurethat the United States continues to lead the world in AI innovation, whilekeeping more money in the pocketbooks of hardworking families.”
Projections indicate that by 2028, U.S. data centers could consume up to 580 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually—an increase from 176 TWh in 2023—which is comparable to all electricity used by residential lighting and appliances nationwide. The proposed act aims to keep America competitive globally in artificial intelligence while reducing pressure on utilities and customers through improved efficiency and heat reuse.
Jay Obernolte has represented California’s 23rd District in Congress since 2021 after serving in the California State Assembly from 2014 to 2020 https://obernolte.house.gov/about/full-biography . He succeeded Paul Cook as representative https://obernolte.house.gov/about/full-biography . Born in Chicago in 1970, Obernolte currently resides in Big Bear Lake.
The Liquid Cooling for AI Act is positioned as an effort not only to strengthen U.S. leadership but also address concerns about energy consumption associated with growing demands on data center infrastructure.
