Artificial intelligence and its growing demand for data centers are putting new pressure on California’s electric grid. In San Jose, supporters see jobs and investment, but a key ratepayer advocate worries customers could end up paying for upgrades.
A new report estimates that California’s data centers are driving increases in electricity use, water demand and pollution even as lawmakers stall on oversight.
The U.S. Senate decision could upend California’s phaseout of gas-powered cars and its decades-long battle against air pollution. Some experts say Congress’ move is illegal and is likely to trigger a legal battle.
Because the Trump Administration is unlikely to approve them, California believes it has no choice but to abandon its groundbreaking rules for zero-emission trucks and cleaner locomotives.
The state air board will vote on changes to its landmark clean fuel program that would cut more greenhouse gases while increasing the cost of gasoline an average of 47 cents per gallon in 2025.
Public chargers must be built at an unprecedented pace to meet the target in less than seven years, and then doubled to two million in 2035. The high cost of $120,000 or more for one fast charger is just one obstacle.
Now that electric cars are mainstream, higher-income Californians will no longer qualify for state subsidies, while lower-income buyers could get up to $12,000.
Corporate reports would reveal top polluters and climate-related financial risks. But companies warn about faulty data and a “gold-plated exercise” if the two bills become law.
A new loan program for first-time home buyers only served a couple thousand borrowers, most of them white, non-Latino and living in the Sacramento area.