Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act

This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a comprehensive measurement research program. In consultation with the Secretary of Energy, NIST will develop or improve best practices, definitions, methodologies, and technical standards for measuring energy and water consumption by data centers and their workloads, specifically including those related to artificial intelligence models. The program mandates research and testing to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these measurements, considering factors such as workload types, power consumption profiles, and various IT configurations. NIST is also tasked with studying data needs for energy and water demand forecasting, identifying existing gaps in data collection, availability, and researcher access, and assessing associated risks to forecast reliability. Furthermore, the bill requires NIST to support the development of standardized metrics and data sharing mechanisms to improve forecasting capabilities. It emphasizes coordination with the Department of Energy for data management and open exchange, as well as with international partners to maintain global measurement standards. The Director of NIST must engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including industry, academia, and federal agencies, and provide regular briefings to Congress on the program's progress, with $10,000,000 authorized for appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.