Newsom Resists Data Center Crackdown as California Faces 24% Capacity Growth
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 16
Newsom Resists Data Center Crackdown as California Faces 24% Capacity Growth
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 16
Summary
Gavin Newsom is largely refusing to make data centers a signature target even as other Democratic governors tighten rules, opening an early policy split in the 2028 field.
Newsom argues the fight is misdirected, saying AI’s threat to jobs matters more than blocking server farms, while allies say he wants to stay pro-innovation and avoid alienating major tech donors.
California has had more room to stay cautious because planned and under-construction data centers would expand capacity by 24%, far below Pennsylvania’s 121%, Maryland’s 132% and Illinois’ 144%.
That buffer is narrowing: Monterey Park this month voted to permanently ban data centers, more than two dozen California groups joined a national coalition, and over two-thirds of California voters oppose new local projects.
Sacramento may soon force the issue anyway, with bills advancing on how much data centers should pay for electricity after Newsom previously vetoed a water-disclosure measure and signed only a cost-shift study.