Data centers are black boxes, but California wants to change that
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TL;DR
- California legislation mandates data centers disclose water and electricity usage starting next year.
- Previous lack of transparency fueled concerns about data centers straining power grids and water systems.
- New laws aim to provide data for scientists and the public to assess impacts on bills, resources, and sustainability commitments.
- Legislation includes creating separate power rates for data centers to avoid passing costs to other consumers.
- Data centers will be pushed to use more renewable energy.
- Monthly energy consumption reporting and water disclosures are required.
- Data center operators will be responsible for costs of infrastructure upgrades.
- Environmental Quality Act exemptions for data centers are eliminated, ensuring environmental review.
- Water disclosure laws have gaps, only requiring reporting during permit applications.
- Laws are seen as a step in the right direction, signaling industry and lawmaker attention.
- The AI wave driving data center growth is seen as a regulable phenomenon.