California’s Data Center Water and Energy Bills Undermine Accountability to Ratepayers and Environment

At the start of 2024, California legislators vowed to impose strict regulations on data centers, citing growing concerns over their water consumption and electricity demands. These windowless giants power everything from TikTok videos to Amazon shopping—but their rapid expansion amid artificial intelligence growth threatens not only local resources but also the pockets of everyday ratepayers. Yet after nine months of legislative wrangling, what did Californians actually get? Two bills gutted by special interests landed on Governor Newsom’s desk in diluted forms that undermine real oversight or protection. How Did Big Tech Lobbying Dilute Protections for Consumers and Communities? The bills...