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Bill

HB 589

Data centers; certain data from water users, water use consumption.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Guzmán and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requiring data centers to report water consumption and usage data to state water authorities for regulatory oversight and resource management.

Assigned HACNR sub: Natural Resources
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 589

Legislative bill overview

HB 589 requires data centers to report certain water usage data to state water authorities. The bill appears designed to increase transparency and regulatory oversight of water consumption by data centers, which are known to be significant water users for cooling operations. This data collection would likely inform state water management and environmental protection policies.

Why is this important

Data centers consume substantial quantities of water, and Virginia has positioned itself as a major hub for data center development. As water demand increases from both population growth and industrial expansion, understanding data center water usage patterns becomes critical for managing state water resources and preventing strain on local water supplies. This information could inform decisions about data center siting, expansion permits, and regional water sustainability planning.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Data centers may argue that detailed water reporting requirements create administrative burdens and competitive disadvantages
  • Proprietary business information: Companies might resist disclosing operational data, claiming it reveals trade secrets or sensitive facility information
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's reference to "certain data" leaves unclear which specific metrics must be reported, potentially creating implementation disputes between regulators and facilities

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

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