Washington Lawmakers Propose Bill to Regulate Data Centers

Concerns raised over data centers' use of critical resources in the state

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Washington state has over 100 data centers, but some lawmakers in Olympia are concerned they could be using critical resources, such as water and electricity, at a cost to the public. A new bill has been proposed to potentially crack down on data center operations in the state.

Why it matters

Data centers are a major part of the technology infrastructure in Washington, but their high resource consumption has raised concerns about the impact on the public. This proposed legislation aims to address those concerns and ensure data centers are operating in a sustainable manner.

The details

The bill, currently under consideration in the state legislature, would give lawmakers more oversight and regulatory control over data center operations. This could include requirements around water and energy usage, as well as potential restrictions on where new data centers can be built.

  • The bill was introduced in the Washington state legislature in February 2026.

The players

Washington State Legislature

The state legislative body that is considering the proposed bill to regulate data centers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The bill will need to go through the legislative process, including committee hearings and votes, before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the growing concerns around the environmental impact of data centers and the push for more sustainable technology infrastructure in Washington state.