California Governor Gavin Newsom signed seven bills requiring AI data centers to pay for upgrades to local power grids and water systems, preventing costs from being passed to residents. The new regulations also mandate data centers to disclose estimated water use, energy efficiency metrics, and drought planning to local governments.
Background
AI data center expansion has raised concerns across the US about soaring electricity and water consumption straining local infrastructure and utilities.
- Source
- The Verge
- Published
- Sep 22, 2026 at 04:29 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10