Bill > HB1427

This bill amends North Dakota law to include data centers within the regulatory framework of the state's public service commission, expanding existing provisions that previously governed electric energy conversion and transmission facilities. The bill defines "data center" as a structure primarily containing electronic equipment for processing, storing, and transmitting digital information, and adds data centers to the list of facilities requiring site compatibility certification before construction. Key provisions include requiring data center developers to obtain a certificate of site compatibility from the public service commission, submit detailed application materials, pay application fees, comply with safety standards, and adhere to environmental impact considerations. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance, such as potential civil penalties up to $200,000 and class A misdemeanor charges for willful violations. Additionally, the legislation requires data centers to follow American National Standards Institute best practices and state fire code standards, and allows the public service commission to evaluate proposed data center sites based on factors like environmental impact, economic considerations, and effects on existing local infrastructure and resources.

Business and Industry

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1427.html