California Prop 45 Could Let Data Centers Bypass Public Scrutiny, Critics Warn

Environmental advocates warn that California's Proposition 45, a ballot measure framed as a way to speed up essential infrastructure, could give data center developers a route around public oversight. The measure would shorten the timelines for state-mandated environmental reviews of eligible projects. It would also make it harder for residents to challenge those projects in court. Supporters argue it would ease the state's housing shortage and help meet rising electricity demand through new renewable energy. Some environmental groups and legal experts, however, say data center developers are among the backers of the proposal.