Utah’s artificial intelligence data centers will have to report yearly water usage under a new bill. The proposed bill, which is headed to the Utah House of Representatives, will fine the companies $10,000 for every day they don’t disclose the amount.
The names of the data centers will remain anonymous under the bill, but the numbers will be available to the public. The Division of Water Rights, however, will have access to the names of the data centers to analyze which data center is using the most water.
“We’re very serious about protecting Utah water and making sure that we’re using it wisely,” said Representative Jill Koford.
At least six other states are also creating similar bills, according to Utah News Dispatch.
The state legislature unanimously voted last Thursday to send the bill to the state House of Representatives for the 2026 legislative session.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo: courtesy of Ted Shaffrey, AP News
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
