Assembly advances bill requiring data on data-center water use amid debate over jobs and regulation
August 27, 2026 | Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention, Select Committees, California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California
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Assemblymember Pappen introduced AB 26 19 as a transparency measure aimed at tracking the water consumption of large data centers so local governments and water suppliers can plan for community needs.
"This bill is really a very simple bill. It's about transparency, ensuring that local governments and water suppliers have the data they need about the actual and continuing water use of data centers," Assemblymember Pappen said, arguing the information is needed "because when it comes to water, California's future, we cannot manage what we do not measure." The author said the measure is intended to protect communities that may otherwise lose water access when large facilities make local demands.
Opponents said they support community protections but cautioned the Legislature against imposing mandates that could prompt data centers to relocate outside California. "We can't kill the golden goose, but we wanna make sure the golden goose doesn't crap in the tent," Assemblymember DeMaio said, urging the body to pair regulatory requirements with incentives and flexibility.
Other members urged a balanced approach. "Transparency equals coexistence," Assemblymember Pappen said in floor remarks, urging lawmakers to get information that allows utilities and local governments to plan grid and water investments without shifting costs to ratepayers.
The Assembly adopted the bill on a recorded roll call. Supporters said the bill will enable better planning by local governments and water suppliers; opponents said they want to see accompanying incentives and innovation-friendly provisions to keep California competitive.
The measure will proceed according to next-step legislative procedures.
"This bill is really a very simple bill. It's about transparency, ensuring that local governments and water suppliers have the data they need about the actual and continuing water use of data centers," Assemblymember Pappen said, arguing the information is needed "because when it comes to water, California's future, we cannot manage what we do not measure." The author said the measure is intended to protect communities that may otherwise lose water access when large facilities make local demands.
Opponents said they support community protections but cautioned the Legislature against imposing mandates that could prompt data centers to relocate outside California. "We can't kill the golden goose, but we wanna make sure the golden goose doesn't crap in the tent," Assemblymember DeMaio said, urging the body to pair regulatory requirements with incentives and flexibility.
Other members urged a balanced approach. "Transparency equals coexistence," Assemblymember Pappen said in floor remarks, urging lawmakers to get information that allows utilities and local governments to plan grid and water investments without shifting costs to ratepayers.
The Assembly adopted the bill on a recorded roll call. Supporters said the bill will enable better planning by local governments and water suppliers; opponents said they want to see accompanying incentives and innovation-friendly provisions to keep California competitive.
The measure will proceed according to next-step legislative procedures.
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