Senate Bill S.F. No. 1117, sponsored by Senator Maye Quade, has been introduced to the Minnesota Legislature and assigned to the Environment Climate and Legacy committee. It calls for a comprehensive study on the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in Minnesota. This study will be conducted by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, who must submit a detailed report by January 1, 2027.

The report will cover various aspects: - The energy and pollution impact across the lifecycle of AI models and hardware, from creation to disposal. - The consumption of energy and water for cooling AI data centers. - The impact of design and operational choices regarding AI systems on the environment. - Local environmental effects such as increased power loads, water usage, and noise. - Both positive and negative environmental effects of AI, including potential benefits for energy efficiency and risks of exacerbating pollution. - The disproportionate impacts on different communities. - Diverse scenarios of AI deployment and their potential environmental outcomes in Minnesota.

The bill mandates engagement with experts and the public in conducting the study. Additionally, funding for this study will be appropriated from the general fund in the fiscal year 2026 to ensure that the necessary resources are available for thorough research. This legislative effort aims to better understand and potentially mitigate the environmental footprint of AI technologies in the state.