California tightens rules on AI data center energy and water use

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed seven bills aimed at regulating AI data centers' energy and water use. The legislation requires the California Public Utilities Commission to introduce a new rate classification for data centers, forcing them to pay for upgrades to local power grids and water systems. Additionally, proposed data centers must disclose estimated water use, energy efficiency, and drought planning to local governments, and meet specific consumption requirements for streamlined approval. Newsom emphasized that these laws ensure communities are not burdened by the costs of data centers while they profit.

(Source：The Verge)