The Water Cost Accountability Act is gaining steam, with Microsoft weighing in in support of the legislation, which aims to ensure that taxpayers don’t get stuck with bills for the infrastructure needed to create data centers.
“Microsoft proudly supports the Water Cost Accountability Act,” Fred Humphries, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for government affairs, explained. “Transparent, community-informed planning is essential to ensuring infrastructure investments deliver lasting benefits while responsibly managing natural resources.”
“This legislation represents an important step toward building the infrastructure needed for America’s future while strengthening trust with the communities that host it,” Humphries explained. “It also reinforces the principle that companies must responsibly show up in communities across the country, engaging as long-term partners and listening to local voices.”
Microsoft’s embrace of the proposal, which is advancing through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, comes after months of the tech company embracing the principles of the legislation. In January, it launched a Community-First AI Infrastructure Initiative, in which it committed to pay for water infrastructure improvements needed to support its data centers, reduce water use, and replenish more water than it consumes.
Microsoft also gave the Trump administration a major win when it became the first company to endorse the Ratepayer Protection Act — applying the same approach to the energy and grid costs associated with data centers.
On the Energy and Commerce Committee itself, lawmakers like Reps. Brett Guthrie (R., Ky.) and Gary Palmer (R., Ala.), explained why the legislation is important.
“Throughout this Congress, the Committee has worked to ensure Americans have access to safe and reliable drinking water,” the lawmakers noted. “This hearing will provide an opportunity for members to discuss legislation that safeguards our drinking water infrastructure, protecting water systems against cyber threats and other risks. Further, we will consider draft legislation to ensure that data center builders, and not American families, are responsible for the water that their infrastructure requires.”
