Minnesota lawmakers push for water permits for data centers and other big industries
News ClipMPR News·Elko New Market, Scott County, MN·4/4/2026
Minnesota lawmakers are pushing for a new bill that would require data centers and other large industries to obtain their own water-use permits. Proponents argue that the current practice of piggybacking on city permits lacks public scrutiny and endangers the state's groundwater supply.
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Gov: Minnesota Legislature
Minnesota lawmakers are advocating for new legislation that would mandate data centers and other major industrial users to secure individual water-use permits. Currently, these industries can often operate under a city's existing water permit, a practice critics argue shields them from public oversight and threatens Minnesota's groundwater reserves. The proposed bill aims to enhance transparency and ensure greater accountability for industrial water consumption, particularly for high-demand facilities like data centers.