North Dakota lawmaker proposes data center regulations

North Dakota State Representative Anna Novak, R-Hazen, has introduced a legislative framework aimed at regulating data center development within the state. The proposed bill focuses on three primary areas of concern for citizens: electricity costs, water usage, and decommissioning requirements.

A central component of the legislation is the principle of “bring your own power,” which seeks to formally prohibit the transfer of data center-related electricity costs to residential ratepayers. Novak emphasized the need to codify protections to ensure that large energy loads from these facilities do not result in rate increases for local consumers.

Additionally, the bill aims to mandate transparency regarding utility rate increases and would require data centers to utilize closed-loop water systems to manage resource consumption.