Bill > A5892

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (department) to conduct an evaluation of the short and long term effects of water use by large-scale data centers. Under the provisions of this bill, the study is to consider the short-term effects of water use by large-scale data centers, measured over the preceding three years; the long-term effects of water use by large-scale data centers, measured over the preceding seven years; the anticipated effects of water use by large-scale data centers which may be constructed in the future, as distinct from existing large-scale data centers; any efforts undertaken by the department or by large-scale data center operators to reduce the use of water by large-scale data centers; how the use of water by large-scale data centers has impacted overall State water use and costs; how the use of water by large-scale data centers has affected the operational efficiency, cooling requirements, or uptime of the large-scale data center due to water constraints; the direct or indirect costs associated with the use of water by large-scale data centers, including impacts on public water systems, ratepayers, or infrastructure upgrades required to meet demand; an analysis of any feasible water use reduction strategies which could be implemented by any large-scale data centers operated in the State; and any other information which the department determines to be necessary to produce a comprehensive study. The bill requires the department to report on the findings of the study, within fifteen months of the effective date of the act. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to submit recommendations for legislation to improve State laws regarding the use of water by large-scale data centers.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Robert Karabinchak (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee (on 06/27/2025)

Official Document