After reconsideration, Senate approves data-center water transparency bill over industry objections

The Senate revisited House Bill 76, a data center water transparency measure, and passed the third substitute after an earlier failed vote. Senator Sandel, who sponsored the bill, said the bill targets only large data centers (10,000 square feet or more) and requires operators to notify local water providers 30–360 days before construction about expected water sources, projected use and discharge, treatment and reuse plans, with an annual public reporting requirement to the Division of Water Rights.

Opponents argued the legislature was singling out one industry and questioned duplicating data that already exists in other reports and permitting processes. Senator Brammer suggested other industries (medical device manufacturing, universities, golf courses) were not being held to the same reporting standard and warned about precedent. Senator McCall cautioned that public reporting might feed misinformation about water consumption and urged precision in public statements.

Supporters said the bill would increase public transparency and calm community concerns about water-use impacts from new facilities. The bill initially failed on the floor (13 yea, 15 nay, 1 absent) but, after a motion to reconsider, passed on reconsideration under suspension of the rules with a later recorded tally in favor (19 yea, 5 nay). The bill will be returned to the House for further consideration.