California Cities Face Backlash Amid Data Center Construction Concerns
A California survey reveals overwhelming voter opposition to new data center construction due to high power and water consumption, prompting local officials to reassess economic development plans. Experts emphasize the need for better information on data center impacts and the development of state and federal regulations to address public concerns.
A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates widespread voter opposition across California to the construction of new data centers, primarily due to their significant consumption of power and water. This public sentiment is causing concern among local officials who are balancing economic development goals with community objections.
Irina Raicu, director of internet ethics and co-author of a study on water availability and data center regulation, noted that a key issue is the lack of comprehensive information, leading communities to feel overwhelmed. She highlighted the complex trade-offs involved in comparing data center resource use to other sectors like agriculture.
Iris Stewart-Frey, a professor and co-author of the study from Santa Clara University's Water and Climate Justice Lab, added that the public debate has become too prominent to ignore. She expressed hope that this increased awareness would drive the creation of necessary regulations and policies at both state and federal levels to manage data center development.