Opinion: California data center opposition on environmental grounds deemed misplaced
A survey reveals 70% of Californians oppose new data centers due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding water use. An opinion piece argues this opposition is misplaced, noting data centers' national water footprint is small and the state can manage demand. The author criticizes Governor Newsom's veto of water usage disclosure legislation and suggests data centers should cover increased electricity costs.
An opinion piece published in the Sacramento Bee argues that the significant opposition to data centers in California, recently evidenced by a Public Policy Institute of California survey showing 70% of Californians oppose new facilities due to environmental concerns, is largely misguided. The author likens current public sentiment to historical resistance against technological advancements like the Model T.
The article addresses resource consumption, particularly water, which is a primary concern for opponents. Citing a 2024 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study, the author states that data centers' nationwide water use, both direct and indirect, could reach approximately 2.9 million acre-feet by 2028. However, when viewed nationally, this represents only about 1% of the total U.S. annual water consumption, which the author argues is a minor challenge compared to other uses like growing alfalfa.
The piece highlights the Imperial Valley as a "hotbed" of opposition, where a proposed hyperscale facility could use 275 million gallons of water annually, a fraction of the Imperial Irrigation District's Colorado River water allotment. The author also criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of legislation requiring data centers to disclose water usage information, suggesting this lack of transparency fuels public "hysteria." The article concludes by urging intellectual consistency from data center opponents and stating that California has faced far more significant resource challenges.