… Two major data center bills passed a key committee last week as California’s legislative session nears its close at the end of this month. Senate Bill 886 aimsto prevent data centers from raising utility costs for other consumers, while SB 887 would incentivize developers to invest in clean energy and nearby communities. … It’s unclear how Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will respond to bills opposed by politically powerful utilities and tech companies. Last year, Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required data centers to report their water usage. … But the politics are shifting.

Other data center water use and regulation news:

• The Business Journal (Fresno, Calif.): Visalia, Tulare County consider data center moratoriums this week
• The Union Democrat (Sonora, Calif.): Calaveras County moves to pause AI data centers. What will Tuolumne County do?​
• The Modesto Bee (Calif.): Data centers in Patterson? Here’s why city leaders could extend moratorium​
• The Vallejo Sun (Calif.): Developers planning data center for Fairfield industrial park​
• Courthouse News Service: Sidebar podcast: The data center gold rush