Loading chat...
WV HB5590
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
David Green
Click for details
AI Summary
- Certified high impact data centers must provide public notice of anticipated water usage before construction, including identification of water sources, estimated maximum daily and monthly withdrawal volumes, and descriptions of intended use
- Data centers must submit water withdrawal projections to the Department of Environmental Protection, demonstrating that proposed withdrawals will not reduce available water supply below levels needed by existing public water systems, industrial, agricultural, commercial, or downstream users
- The DEP may only condition or deny approval if withdrawals would materially reduce available water supply below existing lawful demand levels, including during drought or low-flow conditions
- Annual reporting of actual water withdrawals is required, including comparison to original projections and explanation of any material deviations; existing reports submitted under state or federal law can satisfy this requirement
- The bill explicitly does not create a new permitting program, expand water quality regulation, or apply to microgrids or electric generation facilities
Legislative Description
Create a limited and predictable water-quantity review framework for High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs) in West Virginia.
Environment
Last Action
To House Energy and Public Works
2/16/2026
Committee Referrals
Energy and Public Works2/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available