Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials say state plan is advisory; recommendation calls for study of water‑energy nexus for water‑intensive industries
Summary
An attendee asked whether data centers should be barred from using state water. Presenters said the state water plan is non‑regulatory, pointed to a May executive order, and the plan recommends funding a study of the water–energy nexus for water‑intensive industries including data centers.
During the Q&A, an attendee asked how much water is being allowed for data centers and whether the plan could prohibit their use of state water. Stephanie McGinnis replied that an executive order issued in May sets a framework for transparent processes and that multiple agencies will follow applicable law. She emphasized that the Division of Water Resources is non‑regulatory and that the state water plan itself cannot ban uses.
"As far as the division of water resources, we are non regulatory," McGinnis said. She added the draft plan recommends the legislature fund a study on the water–energy nexus for water‑intensive industries and emerging technologies, and that data centers would be included under that recommended study.
The response framed the issue as one for existing permitting and legal processes and for follow‑up studies rather than an immediate regulatory prohibition.
