Bill > HB6138

This bill, titled the "Data Center Water Regulation Act," establishes requirements for how data centers in Michigan use water. It defines a "data center" as a facility housing data processing equipment, and a "closed-loop cooling system" as a sealed system where the same water circulates without being drawn from or discharged to external water sources. The bill mandates that any new data center construction or operation, as well as existing data centers operating after the bill's effective date, must either use a closed-loop cooling system or exclusively source their water from a municipal water system, prohibiting the use of groundwater or surface water. Failure to comply can result in a civil fine of up to $1,000,000 per day of violation, with enforcement actions possible by county prosecutors or the Attorney General. The Michigan Public Service Commission, referred to as the "Commission," is empowered to create rules to implement this act. This bill is contingent on the enactment of several other related bills.