This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to incorporate data centers into the existing regulatory framework for energy conversion and transmission facilities. It establishes that data centers must obtain a certificate of site compatibility or a route permit for their construction and operation, similar to the requirements for energy facilities. New definitions, such as "data center" and "data mining," are introduced, and the responsibilities of utilities and data centers in adhering to environmental and siting laws are outlined. The bill also allows for waivers of procedures and time schedules for data centers under specific conditions, promoting a more streamlined regulatory approach while still prioritizing environmental considerations.

Additional amendments require applicants to notify landowners within the proposed site or corridor and permit combined applications from utilities or data centers. The bill clarifies that the commission cannot impose conditions on permit issuance based on mitigation payments for wildlife habitat impacts. Furthermore, data centers are mandated to comply with safety standards and best practices, and they will incur the same application fees and penalties as other facilities. Temporary operations or variances for data centers are permitted under certain conditions, ensuring that public welfare and environmental integrity are not compromised. Overall, the bill seeks to facilitate the permitting process for data centers while maintaining necessary environmental protections and local compliance.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 49-22-02, 49-22-03, 49-22-07, 49-22-07.2, 49-22-08, 49-22-08.2, 49-22-09, 49-22-09.2, 49-22-14, 49-22-16, 49-22-20, 49-22-21, 49-22-22, 49-22-24, 49-22-25