California Lawmakers Seek More Transparency on Data Center Water Use

As artificial intelligence fuels a new wave of data center development across California, lawmakers are grappling with how to support the growing industry while protecting the state’s limited water supplies.

Two bills moving through the Legislature would give state and local officials a more complete picture of data centers’ water demands. AB 2469 would require developers to disclose projected water use before local governments approve new facilities, while AB 2619 would require operators to report actual water use annually once the facilities open.