California politicians criticized for data center regulation stance
The article criticizes California's Democratic politicians, particularly Governor Gavin Newsom, for their perceived failure to regulate data centers despite public opposition and significant environmental concerns regarding water and energy usage. It highlights a vetoed bill, ongoing legislative efforts, a mayoral candidate's proposal for a moratorium in Los Angeles, and a community's successful rejection of data centers in Monterey Park.
The Daily Trojan criticizes California's Democratic representatives, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for their reluctance to impose significant regulations on data center development, despite high public opposition and environmental concerns.
The article notes that a May 2026 Gallup poll indicated strong opposition to data centers in communities, a sentiment particularly strong in California. Governor Newsom is highlighted for vetoing a bill that would have mandated data center operators to report water usage, citing potential business impacts. This stance is portrayed as contradictory to his environmentalist image, especially given the substantial water and energy consumption of data centers and existing grid reliability issues.
Two new bills currently in the California state legislature aim to regulate data centers. Locally, Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman supports a moratorium on large-scale data centers until environmental safeguards are met, a position not shared by incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Monterey Park residents successfully rejected data center construction through Measure NDC, demonstrating active community opposition.