Enacts the "data center water stewardship and reuse act"

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Leroy Comrie says this is needed

Data centers are essential to New York's modern economy, supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, financial services, and tele- communications infrastructure. However, these facilities are also among the fastest-growing industrial consumers of water, particularly due to their reliance on water-intensive cooling systems. As demand for digital services increases, unchecked growth in water usage by data centers risks placing additional strain on municipal water systems, aquifers, and environmentally sensitive watersheds. This concern is especially acute in regions already facing aging infrastruc- ture, climate-driven variability in water supply, and competing residen- tial and industrial demand. This legislation ensures that the growth of the digital economy does not come at the expense of New York's water resources. By requiring the use of recycled and non-potable water, along with advanced cooling technolo- gies, the bill significantly reduces reliance on drinking water supplies. It also promotes innovation in water-efficient design and aligns with statewide environmental and climate goals. Importantly, the bill balances environmental protection with economic development by including phased compliance timelines, incentives for early adoption, and flexibility through variance provisions where strict compliance is not feasible. New York has long been a national leader in environmental protection. This legislation continues that leadership by addressing an emerging but critical sustainability challenge and ensuring responsible siting and operation of data centers across the state.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.