As the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence drives an unprecedented boom in data center construction across California, a bipartisan push for tighter industry oversight is gaining traction in the state capitol. Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio) cast his vote this week in favor of a sweeping package of legislation designed to pull back the curtain on the secretive, energy-hungry facilities. The move highlights growing anxiety in rural and suburban communities over how the massive computing hubs will affect local infrastructure. … The legislative package targets the core operational demands of data centers, which require massive amounts of electricity to run servers and millions of gallons of water to keep them cool.

Other data center water use news around the West:

• KSL (Salt Lake City): Second water rights application for Box Elder County data center withdrawn
• Arizona Public Media: Arizona water officials approve wells tied to Project Blue data center
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Tucson data center project hit with violation after water dispute
• Wyoming Public Media: No pause on data centers for Cheyenne