California signs laws to regulate data centers
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed seven laws to increase oversight of data centers’ energy, water and land use. Beginning in January 2027, data centers will have to report energy consumption, help fund related infrastructure, disclose water use and drought plans, and meet state resource standards.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of seven California laws intended to make data center operators more accountable for their effects on energy infrastructure, water supplies and surrounding communities. The measures, scheduled to take effect in January 2027, require operators to report projected annual energy use, fund additional infrastructure rather than shifting costs to residential ratepayers, and publicly disclose water consumption and drought planning.
The laws also require data centers to comply with state energy and water standards before receiving streamlined judicial review. Carlmont High School science educators and students interviewed for the article described the measures as a useful but limited response to concerns about rising electricity costs, environmental damage, noise, light pollution and potential contamination of freshwater resources.