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HF 2928

Preapplication filings for large water appropriation projects required, permit application information for large water appropriation projects added, level of environmental review for data centers specified, data centers exempted from making financial contributions to an energy conservation and optimization plan, and other data center provisions modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Acomb and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill streamlines water and environmental permitting for data centers while exempting them from energy conservation funding contributions.

Author added Jones
#energy #publicutilitiesandpublicutilitiescommission #telecommunicationsandinformationtechnology
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 2928

Legislative bill overview

HF 2928 modifies Minnesota's water appropriation and environmental review processes, particularly targeting data centers. The bill requires preapplication filings for large water appropriation projects, adds new permit application information requirements, and specifies streamlined environmental review levels for data center projects. It also exempts data centers from contributing to energy conservation and optimization plans.

Why is this important

Data centers consume significant water and energy resources, and this bill signals a policy shift toward expediting their permitting while potentially reducing their financial obligations for energy efficiency programs. The changes could accelerate data center development in Minnesota but may affect water resource management and energy conservation funding mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Water resource management: Streamlining permits for large water appropriation by data centers may prioritize economic development over long-term water sustainability concerns, especially in drought-prone regions
  • Energy conservation funding: Exempting data centers from contributing to energy conservation plans could reduce available funding for broader conservation initiatives while data centers benefit from energy infrastructure
  • Environmental review levels: Specifying reduced environmental review for data centers may limit public input and environmental impact assessment compared to other large industrial projects
  • Preapplication requirements: Unclear whether new preapplication filing requirements create additional barriers or genuinely improve project quality and reduce delays

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

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