Prop 45 in California could be hiding a loophole for data centers
News Source
β’2026-11-01T08:00:00-05:00
π° What Happened
California voters are deciding on Proposition 45 this week. Supporters say it speeds up building for housing and clean energy by shortening environmental reviews.
Environmental lawyers warn it could also help data centres. The measure lists "broadband internet access" as essential infrastructure. Critics say a data centre with any internet cables could claim that label and skip public scrutiny.
Prop 45 would cap public comment at 45 days and stop courts from halting a whole project.
π The Backstory
California's main environmental law is CEQA, passed in 1970. It requires state agencies to study a project's impacts and to take public comments before approval. Supporters say the process now takes years and blocks housing.
Data centres have become a heated issue across the US. They use huge amounts of power and water, and neighbours complain about noise. Developers backing Prop 45 have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars.
π― Why It Matters
These rules decide whether you get a say when a data centre is built near your home. A shorter review means less time to raise concerns about power, water and noise.
California voters are deciding on Proposition 45 this week. Supporters say it speeds up building for housing and clean energy by shortening environmental reviews.
Environmental lawyers warn it could also help data centres. The measure lists "broadband internet access" as essential infrastructure. Critics say a data centre with any internet cables could claim that label and skip public scrutiny.
Prop 45 would cap public comment at 45 days and stop courts from halting a whole project.
California's main environmental law is CEQA, passed in 1970. It requires state agencies to study a project's impacts and to take public comments before approval. Supporters say the process now takes years and blocks housing.
Data centres have become a heated issue across the US. They use huge amounts of power and water, and neighbours complain about noise. Developers backing Prop 45 have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These rules decide whether you get a say when a data centre is built near your home. A shorter review means less time to raise concerns about power, water and noise.