politics
House and Senate Bills Would Let Private Firms Use Anti-Drone Systems at Designated Sites
Republican lawmakers introduced matching bills in both chambers that would authorize owners of facilities designated critical infrastructure to deploy counter-drone weapons. The legislation follows public statements from investors about security risks to large data centers.
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A bill introduced in the House on June 10 would permit private owners of facilities designated critical infrastructure by the secretary of Homeland Security to operate anti-drone systems. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Matt Van Epps, matches a Senate version filed by Sen.
Tom Cotton. The legislation lists directed-energy, projectile, and net-capture systems among the permitted technologies. It requires any action to respond to a credible threat and limits use to facilities affirmatively designated after consultation between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Energy.
Fink stated on May 5 that owners of large data centers must consider protection against domestic drone threats. BlackRock’s AI Consortium purchased Aligned Data Centers for $20 billion in October 2025. Data centers consumed 4.4 percent of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are projected to use between 6.7 percent and 12 percent by 2028, according to the Department of Energy.
A single large facility can draw up to 5 million gallons of water daily.
Randolph of the Center for AI and Digital Policy said the bill would transfer authority to disable aircraft to private companies that have profit motives and limited public accountability. Van Epps said a single drone attack on a chemical facility, electrical substation, or water treatment plant could cause widespread economic harm.
The Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. A Department of Energy spokesperson said the agency welcomes congressional guidance that would strengthen security of the energy sector.
