Newsom's stance on controversial data centers about to be tested. Again.
Key takeaways
- Opposition to the mammoth tech hubs and their massive thirst of water, power and land has only escalated throughout the state and nation ever since.
- “I think the governor is in a fragile position,” said Megan Mullin, a public policy professor at UCLA.
- Data centers have existed for decades but are rapidly expanding due to the worldwide boom in artificial intelligence.
Demonstrators in May hold up signs during a rally against the installation of a data center where the Puente Hills mall currently stands in City of Industry. (William Liang / For The Times) By Katie King June 21, 2026 3 AM PT 1 8 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation to require proposed data centers to provide estimates of their water usage last year, saying he was “reluctant to impose rigid reporting requirements” without understanding the impact on businesses and consumers.
Opposition to the mammoth tech hubs and their massive thirst of water, power and land has only escalated throughout the state and nation ever since. In just a matter of months, Newsom again could find himself in the political crosshairs.