Companies that run data centers are facing increasing scrutiny for guzzling water in the dry western U.S. as artificial intelligence fuels a boom in the industry. California legislators passed a bill this month that would require the facilities to report their projected water use before they begin operating and thereafter certify how much they use annually. The bill is now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature. … The California legislation requires companies to submit water information for both new and existing facilities.

Other industrial water impact news:

• Cowboy State Daily (Cheyenne, Wyo.): Water-efficient data center model that started in Wyoming is expanding to Texas
• Capital & Main: New Mexico governor puts finger on scale in oilfield wastewater vote
• Earthworks: Blog: Getting lithium right in California
• SFGate: 119-year-old Bay Area company to pay $500K for causing ‘rotten egg’ smell