CAL.Regulation
California bars local data-center permits without a water supply assessment, drought plan, and workforce disclosures
California enacted AB 2469 (Chapter 436, Statutes of 2026), adding Government Code section 65964.7, on September 21, 2026. Cities and counties may not approve permits for data-center construction, or expansions that increase peak water use, unless applicants provide a water supply assessment, projected water use and efficiency measures, workforce disclosures and, from January 1, 2028, a water scarcity plan covering five drought categories. Applicants must bear the full cost of required water infrastructure. The act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- Cities and counties may not approve data-center construction or expansions increasing peak water use without the required submissionsCalifornia Legislative Information
- Applicants must provide a water supply assessment, projected water use, and water efficiency measuresCalifornia Legislative Information
- Beginning January 1, 2028, applicants must submit a water scarcity plan covering five drought categories defined by the U.S. Drought MonitorCalifornia Legislative Information
- Applicants must disclose workforce composition, job classifications, employment duration, wages, and benefitsCalifornia Legislative Information
- Applicants bear the full cost of required water conveyance, treatment, storage, or distribution infrastructure improvementsCalifornia Legislative Information
Sources1 article across 1 outlet
California Legislative Information
Filed under
RegulationCal.AB 2469 - Data centers: water use disclosures (2026)EnergyEnvironmentalFor governanceFor vendors