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Regulate data centers? These cities could vote to ban them

Gov. Gavin Newsom may veto bills to curb the effects of the water- and power-hogging facilities, but he can’t stop the uprising in fed-up communities across California.

By Golden State staff
Regulate data centers? These cities could vote to ban them
An unoccupied office building sits at the site of a proposed data center in Monterey Park that sparked a movement to ban all such facilities in the city. (Photo by Paul Thornton)
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Hot Take

by Paul Thornton

Californians despise data centers.

According to a recent Public Policy Institute of California poll, 73% of respondents across party lines said they don’t want the power-hungry, water-gulping data centers driving the artificial intelligence revolution built in their communities. 

State lawmakers have responded this year by passing seven bills regulating data centers in California – including four that made it out of the Legislature on Monday. Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign the bills, veto them or let them become law without his signature.   

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