Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced the Liquid Cooling for AI Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence by promoting energy-efficient liquid cooling technologies for data centers. Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are also co-sponsors.
The legislation seeks to address the rising energy demands from the expansion of AI processes and data center operations across the country. According to researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, energy consumption by U.S. data centers is projected to reach 580 terawatt hours by 2028, which is more than triple current levels and would equal the combined electricity usage of all residential lighting and household appliances in the United States.
Senator McCormick stated, “As our nation pushes to win the global AI race, we must ensure we use the most advanced technologies available, and that includes innovative cooling systems capable of supporting advanced chips. This legislation is a step towards easing pressure on utilities and customers, promoting energy efficiency in AI infrastructure, and leveraging market-driven technologies to boost U.S. computing capacity.”
Senator Coons added, “Leading the world in AI innovation shouldn’t have to mean skyrocketing energy bills for American families or giving up ground in the fight against climate change. This bipartisan bill will encourage the development of new technologies that keep American businesses and our military ahead in the AI race, promoting innovation and growing our economy while keeping our nation secure and lowering costs.”
Senator Budd emphasized the importance of reliable energy: “The United States must win the AI Race against China, but it cannot do so without access to abundant and affordable energy. Liquid cooling of IT equipment at data centers and other advancements can ease electrical grid strain and help lower costs for consumers. I am glad to work with Senators McCormick and Coons in this effort to boost energy efficiency so we can help unleash AI innovation across the country.”
Senator Schiff highlighted consumer impacts: “With the dramatic growth of AI and the accompanying increase in electricity demand from data centers, we must ensure we are using the most efficient cooling technologies and protecting consumers from price hikes. This bipartisan legislation will help advance liquid cooling systems — a critical and sustainable method of cooling that improves energy efficiency and thermal performance, while improving affordability for consumers.”
The Liquid Cooling for AI Act directs several federal actions:
– The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will assess research needs related to liquid cooling utilization.
– The Department of Energy (DOE) must evaluate these findings and submit recommendations to Congress regarding liquid cooling technology.
– An advisory organization comprised of industry experts will be created to consult with federal agencies on best practices.
Industry organizations have voiced support for the bill. The AI Supply Chain Alliance said, “The AI Supply Chain Alliance strongly supports the bipartisan Liquid Cooling for AI Act in the Senate. As AI workloads grow and chip densities outpace traditional cooling, liquid cooling is essential infrastructure for America to lead in AI. This bill takes a smart, no-cost approach by directing the Government Accountability Office and Department of Energy to establish the research, guidance, and best practices needed to scale efficient, reliable AI systems nationwide. We look forward to working with Sens. McCormick, Coons, Schiff, and Budd to strengthen the U.S. AI supply chain and ensure America can build, power, and cool the next generation of AI.”
Denise Dignam, President & CEO at Chemours said: “As AI workloads grow and next-gen chips generate more heat, data centers need more efficient and effective cooling solutions that can keep pace. By dramatically reducing energy and water usage compared to traditional air cooling, liquid cooling delivers both performance and sustainability. This bill is a forward-thinking step toward modernizing critical infrastructure, and we’re proud to support with innovative products that keep America at the forefront of the global AI race.”
Rusty Cone from UNICOM Engineering stated: “Maintaining U.S. leadership in AI and advanced computing requires infrastructure that is both efficient and sustainable. By prioritizing liquid cooling, this legislation supports innovation, reduces environmental impact, and ensures the nation remains competitive in the global technology landscape.”
Chris Jahn from American Chemistry Council commented: “Chemistry powers the innovations that drive American competitiveness… From advanced cooling technologies to materials enabling artificial intelligence… We thank Senators McCormick and Coons for introducing… [this] Act… which will help guide smart science-based decisions…”
Joe Stockunas from SEMI Americas said: “The need is urgent: Energy demand is rising sharply as more data centers … expand… The Liquid Cooling for AI Act … would lay groundwork … essential … maintaining U.S. momentum… SEMI applauds Senator McCormick … Senator Coons … championing this critical legislation.”
Alain Wilmouth from 2CRSi said: “The acceleration of AI workloads presents an unprecedented opportunity for … efficient … responsible data center innovation…. Advanced liquid cooling technologies are essential… We commend Senators Coons … McCormick…”
Dr. Richard Bonner from Accelsius noted: “AI … growth are inevitable… This bill takes a pragmatic technical look at liquid cooling by recognizing differences between 1-phase … 2-phase systems … so communities … operators can make informed decisions….”
Mark Johnson from Modine expressed support: “Modine remains committed … offering best-in-class thermal management solutions … excited … develop energy efficient … low-water usage two-phase immersion thermal management solutions…”
Miguel Garcia Diaz from University of Delaware remarked: “As data centers grow … they place unprecedented strain on our electric grid … water resources…. [This] promotes a far more efficient heat transfer method than air… ensuring our digital infrastructure can meet future demands.”
Supporters believe adopting new approaches such as those outlined in this bill will help reduce both operational costs associated with increased power usage as well as environmental impacts as technological advancement continues.
