Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday ordered state agencies to develop safety regulations for artificial intelligence after vetoing tougher rules two years ago.
A three-day AI Infra Summit 2026 opens Sept. 15 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The conference will focus on artificial intelligence, data center infrastructure, scalability and energy challenges.
The 438,000-square-foot Amazon data center project in Gilroy has been a source of significant community concern since construction started last year. The project was approved by Gilroy’s community development director without a review by the planning commission or city council.
Polls show voters are turning sharply against data centers and several bills to regulate the facilities are advancing in the California Legislature. Utilities and tech companies, meanwhile, are spending millions lobbying state officials.
Community roundtables and listening sessions beginning in late August will give residents an opportunity to share their priorities and inform the city’s proposed standards for data centers.
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.
Most plans to regulate data centers died in the state’s Legislature this year, despite a nationwide backlash. Two surviving bills aim to promote disclosure of energy and water use.
