The US Senate appeared set to block a bill that would have required state utility regulators to weigh whether data centers should bear the extra grid costs they create, as voting continued. Senate Democrats stalled the measure after a unanimous-consent attempt failed, arguing it did not go far enough, leaving federal action on data-center electricity costs in limbo. Prediction markets showed a considerable decrease in the odds of a Texas data-center moratorium by year-end over the following 24 hours.
The US Senate on Wednesday appeared set to block legislation requiring state utility regulators to consider whether data centers and other large electricity users should bear the incremental costs of power infrastructure built to serve them, as voting continued.
Bill stalls after unanimous-consent block
The measure had passed the House with overwhelming support and was designed to shift more of the cost of grid upgrades onto the data centers driving the new demand. Senate Democrats blocked a unanimous-consent request to advance it, saying the proposal did not go far enough. That leaves the legislation in limbo, since federal action on data-center-driven electricity costs may not move forward without broader bipartisan support.
Prediction markets cut Texas moratorium odds
The stall showed up almost immediately in prediction markets. The probability that Texas enacts a data-center moratorium by the end of 2026 dropped to 9.5%, down from 48% just 24 hours earlier, as traders priced in less momentum for near-term state action.
What comes next
Attention now turns to Texas state authorities, including Governor Greg Abbott and the state legislature, for any sign of movement on the energy cost issue.
Sources: Investing.com, Crypto Briefing
Trading involves risk.
Risk Disclaimer
