Everyone hates data centers. Sacramento has good reasons to welcome them | Opinion
An opinion column argues that Sacramento should welcome data centers because the city has relatively inexpensive electricity and substantial water rights that could otherwise be at risk. Mayor Kevin McCarty has asked staff to review the policy implications of a potentially large regional data center, while water-use decisions could affect downstream farmers and federal water management.
The Sacramento Bee opinion column argues that Sacramento is well positioned to attract data centers because the Sacramento Municipal Utility District provides relatively inexpensive electricity and the city holds extensive rights to American and Sacramento river water. The city uses less than 100,000 acre-feet annually but has claims totaling roughly 630,000 acre-feet, with a 2030 deadline to place much of the water to beneficial use or risk losing the rights.
Mayor Kevin McCarty has directed city staff to examine the policy implications of new data centers as the region considers what could be its largest proposed facility. The column contends that data center water consumption could help support Sacramento's water claims, but acknowledges that increased diversions could reduce supplies for downstream agricultural users and require approval from the federal Bureau of Reclamation. Regional Water Authority Executive Director Jim Peifer explained that California's water-rights system generally follows a "use it or lose it" principle.