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Bill > A3966
NJ A3966
NJ A3966Requires DEP to conduct study of short and long term effects of water use by large-scale data centers.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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
This bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conduct a comprehensive study on the water usage of large-scale data centers, which are facilities primarily used for storing, managing, and processing digital or artificial intelligence (AI) data, including all associated computer systems and infrastructure. The study will examine both short-term (three years) and long-term (seven years) effects of water use by existing data centers, as well as anticipate the impacts of future data center construction. It will also assess current efforts to reduce water consumption by these facilities, analyze how their water use affects overall state water consumption, costs, and the operational efficiency of the data centers themselves, and evaluate the direct and indirect costs associated with this water use, including impacts on public water systems and ratepayers. Furthermore, the DEP will identify feasible water reduction strategies for data centers and include any other necessary information for a complete report. The DEP is required to submit its findings and recommendations for potential legislative improvements to the Governor and the Legislature within fifteen months of the bill's effective date.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A3966 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3966_I1.HTM |
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