Data centers provisions modification

This bill modifies regulations for large data centers in Minnesota. It requires preapplication discussions with the state for data centers exceeding 100 million gallons per year in water use to assess water availability, while specifying their environmental review requirements. The bill removes data centers' energy consumption from utility energy savings goals, exempts them from contributing to energy conservation plans, and imposes a new fee on data centers. It also establishes energy efficiency requirements for data centers, adjusts how they're classified as "large energy facilities," and mandates a new tariff for their electricity use through the Public Utilities Commission. These changes directly affect data center operators and utilities managing energy programs.