Data Center Signal is tracking 12 clips about Southern California Edison data center developments across 2 states, including CA, UT.
California Proposition 45 would impose deadlines intended to expedite environmental reviews under CEQA for certain development projects, including projects qualifying as broadband infrastructure. Opponents warn the measure could speed approval of data centers and other polluting projects, while supporters say that concern is being used to block broader development reforms.
California voters will decide on Prop 45, which supporters and opponents say could speed data center construction by bypassing certain environmental review requirements. Environmental and community groups oppose the measure, warning that it could increase water and electricity impacts while limiting public scrutiny and potentially overriding local moratoriums.
Riverside City Council candidates discussed data center development at a community forum, with candidates expressing varying levels of support for a proposed 90-day pause on new data center applications. The Riverside Land Use Committee has directed city staff to draft the pause, which is scheduled for further review by the committee and City Council.
Fervo Energy's Cape Station enhanced geothermal project in Milford, Utah, is poised to begin commercial operation, aiming to provide emissions-free baseload power. This project leverages advanced drilling techniques to create geothermal reservoirs, with an eye towards fueling the growing demand from data centers. Google is among the companies that have signed an off-take agreement for Fervo's power.
Tech and utility companies are spending millions lobbying the California Legislature to oppose or weaken seven bills aimed at regulating data centers. This intensified lobbying push comes amid growing public backlash over utility costs, water use, and grid strain, fueled by the unprecedented buildout of AI-driven facilities. Local communities are increasingly opposing new data center projects, with some even passing bans.
California lawmakers are advancing seven bills to regulate data centers, driven by increasing public opposition over utility costs, water use, and grid strain. Tech and utility companies, including Amazon, Anthropic, PG&E, and Southern California Edison, are spending millions lobbying to influence these legislative efforts. The outcome of these bills in California could serve as a bellwether for data center regulation nationwide.
Big Tech and utility companies are spending millions lobbying the California Legislature to oppose or weaken seven bills aimed at regulating data centers due to public backlash over utility costs, water use, and grid strain. Despite lobbying efforts, polls show strong public opposition, leading to project bans in cities like Monterey Park and a new data center framework in San Jose.
California lawmakers are facing intense public backlash against data centers, leading to the introduction of seven bills aimed at regulating these facilities. Major tech companies and utility providers are spending heavily to lobby against these legislative efforts, which seek to address concerns over utility costs, water use, and grid strain. The outcome of these bills, expected by late September, is poised to influence future data center development and environmental regulations across the state.
Demand for battery storage has surged due to increasing electricity use, particularly from data centers, but grid upgrades needed to connect these batteries are severely delayed nationwide. Utilities like Consolidated Edison, PG&E, and Southern California Edison are experiencing significant backlogs and implementing new policies, leading to project cancellations and rising costs. This situation strains the power grid and hinders the clean energy transition.
The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority is addressing significant public concerns regarding a proposed AI data center in Inyokern, California, primarily over its potential water consumption in an already overdrafted basin. While unable to approve the project directly, the Authority is gathering information, requesting outlines of potential conditions from Kern County, and liaising with the California Energy Commission which has oversight due to the data center's planned backup power generation. Residents are advocating for legislative action to protect groundwater resources.
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff has proposed new federal legislation, the "Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act," requiring data centers to provide their own power, fund grid updates, and reduce energy demand during peak times. This bill aims to prevent data centers from increasing consumer energy costs and straining existing power grids, especially in regions like Southern California that already face energy challenges. The legislation also prohibits data centers from using power plants already serving residential populations.
Residents are strongly opposing the proposed RB Inyokern Data Center in California's Indian Wells Valley due to conflicting information on its significant water usage in an already overdrafted basin. The California Energy Commission is conducting an environmental review for the project's backup power plant, with further permits required from local Kern County authorities.