Cotton Introduces Bill to Lower Energy Costs for Arkansans

January 08, 2026

by Sen. Tom Cotton

Washington, DC — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced legislation to accelerate American energy innovation while also lowering energy costs for Arkansans. The DATA Act of 2026 will eliminate outdated federal regulations and enable manufacturers, data centers, and other energy-intensive industries to build customized electricity systems without impacting existing power grids.

“American dominance in artificial intelligence and other crucial emerging industries should not come at the expense of Arkansans paying higher energy costs. My bill will ensure that America can continue to lead in these spaces by eliminating outdated regulations,” said Senator Cotton.

Text of the bill can be found here.

The DATA Act of 2026 would:

Accelerate energy innovation, boost U.S. competitiveness, and support economic growth through off grid power solutions.

Exempt new, physically isolated off grid electricity providers and certain consumer regulated utilities from outdated federal regulations not designed for on site, self-contained power systems.

Enable manufacturers, data centers, and other energy intensive industries to build reliable, resilient, customized electricity systems without impacting existing grids or ratepayers.

Limit eligibility to systems fully isolated from the bulk power grid to preserve grid reliability and public safety.