The bill, known as the Responsible Water Use by Data Centers Act, aims to amend sections 1521.01 and 1521.99 of the Revised Code and enact new sections 9.72 and 1521.232. It establishes definitions related to water and sewer systems, data centers, and infrastructure costs, and places the responsibility for payment of infrastructure costs incurred by water and sewer systems due to data centers on the owners or operators of those centers. The bill also introduces a requirement for data centers to obtain a consumptive use permit before withdrawing state waters that result in consumptive use, with specific criteria and processes for permit applications and approvals.

Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which permits can be revoked or suspended, including provisions for public hearings and the ability for residents to petition for investigations into potential violations. It sets a limit on the amount of water that can be withdrawn by data centers, specifically capping new or increased consumptive use at an average of five million gallons per day. Violations of the new regulations, including those related to the consumptive use permit, are classified as misdemeanors, with fines directed to the water management fund. The existing sections 1521.01 and 1521.99 are repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 1521.01, 1521.99