WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 895

DATA CENTERS – Adds to existing law to establish limitations on consumptive use of water for cooling certain data centers.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho bill restricts water consumption by data centers for cooling to balance water scarcity against tech industry expansion.

Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 291 Effective: 07/01/2026
#businessandbusinessentities #cities #districts #naturalresources #scienceandtechnology #sewers #utilities #water
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 895

Legislative bill overview

H 895 proposes to establish new restrictions on how much water data centers can consume for cooling purposes in Idaho. The bill modifies existing state law to create consumptive use limitations specifically targeting data center operations, which is a growing concern as tech companies expand infrastructure in the region.

Why is this important

Data centers require enormous quantities of water for cooling systems, and Idaho faces increasing water scarcity pressures, particularly in agricultural regions that rely on limited water supplies. This bill addresses potential conflicts between rapid data center expansion and the state's finite water resources, which could affect both environmental sustainability and existing agricultural water rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural water rights: Unclear how new data center water limits interact with established agricultural water allocations and prior appropriation doctrine that governs Idaho water law
  • Economic development vs. conservation: Tech industry may argue restrictions discourage investment and job creation, while environmental groups push for stricter water conservation
  • Definitional specificity: The bill's actual limitation thresholds are not detailed in available information, raising questions about whether restrictions are substantive or merely symbolic

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

Sign in to ask a question.