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Bill

HB 5590

Create a limited and predictable water-quantity review framework for High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs) in West Virginia.

2026 Regular Session

West Virginia creates expedited water permitting for large data centers with predictable standards to attract industry investment while managing resource competition.

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Bill Summary · HB 5590

Legislative bill overview

HB 5590 establishes a streamlined regulatory framework for reviewing water quantity usage by High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs) in West Virginia. The bill creates predictable permitting standards and timelines for data center water withdrawals, rather than subjecting them to case-by-case discretionary review. This allows large data center operators to know upfront what water quantity requirements they must meet.

Why is this important

Data centers consume significant water for cooling operations, and West Virginia has abundant water resources that could attract this high-value industry and create jobs. However, water withdrawal policies affect existing agricultural, municipal, and environmental users, making the balance between economic development and resource protection critical to communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental protection vs. economic development: Critics may argue that streamlined approval reduces environmental scrutiny, while proponents counter that "limited and predictable" standards still maintain safeguards while enabling job creation
  • Water availability equity: Agricultural and municipal users may worry that priority given to data centers could reduce water access during droughts or constrain their own expansion plans
  • Definition and scope of "High Impact": The specifics of what qualifies as an HIDC, minimum investment thresholds, and job requirements will determine who benefits and whether smaller data centers are disadvantaged

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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