To study and promote the use of energy efficient computer servers in the United States.
Became Public Law No: 109-431.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 20, 2006
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 12, 2006. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Energy Star program, to analyze and report to Congress on the growth and energy consumption of computer data centers by the federal government and private enterprise.
Requires such study to include: (1) growth trends associated with data centers and the utilization of servers in the federal government and private sector; (2) analysis of the industry migration to the use of energy efficient microchips and servers designed to provide energy efficient computing and reduce the costs associated with large and medium scale data centers; (3) analysis of the potential cost savings available through the adoption of energy efficient data centers and servers; (4) analysis of the potential impacts of energy efficiency on product performance; (5) analysis of the potential cost savings and benefits to the energy supply chain through the use of stationary fuel cells for backup power and distributed generation; (6) an overview of current government incentives offered for energy efficient products and services; (7) recommendations for incentives and voluntary programs to encourage the use of energy efficient data centers and computing; and (8) an opportunity for stakeholders to comment and provide information on the study.
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Expresses the sense of Congress that it is in the United States' best interest for purchasers of computer servers to give high priority to energy efficiency as a factor in determining best value and performance for purchases of servers.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S11537-11543)
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S11537-11543)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Received in the Senate.
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2990.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 4 (Roll no. 369). (text: CR 7/11/2006 H5001-5002)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 4 (Roll no. 369).(text: CR 7/11/2006 H5001-5002)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5094-5095)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed until July 12.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5646.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5001-5003)
Mr. Rogers (MI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 302.
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 109-538.
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 109-538.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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