California’s energy future is at a critical juncture, and a proposed policy, SB 1028, is raising serious concerns about the state’s commitment to clean energy and consumer protection. As president of Consumer Watchdog, I believe this legislation represents a dangerous compromise, prioritizing the explosive growth of artificial intelligence data centers over the broader public interest. SB 1028 essentially creates a pathway for AI companies to rapidly expand their operations, requiring immense electrical power, while potentially undermining California’s renewable energy goals.

The core issue lies in the sheer scale of energy consumption by AI data centers. These facilities demand significantly more electricity than traditional data centers, and SB 1028 appears to offer these companies a “free pass” from standard environmental regulations. This policy risks destabilizing the state’s power grid, managed by CAISO, potentially leading to increased outages and brownouts for all Californians. The rapid acceleration of AI development shouldn’t come at the expense of grid stability and affordable energy for residents and businesses.

My primary concern is that this legislation was developed with insufficient public input and transparency. The process felt rushed, and the potential ramifications for California’s energy landscape haven’t been adequately assessed. It’s imperative that policy decisions impacting such a vital resource as electricity are subject to rigorous scrutiny and public debate. The current approach creates a precedent for potential deregulation across multiple sectors, jeopardizing long-standing environmental safeguards.

To ensure policies genuinely serve the public, I’ve introduced what I call the “Jamie Court Test.” Does a policy strengthen communities and protect consumers, or primarily benefit powerful corporations? SB 1028 fails this test by prioritizing the immediate, and potentially unsustainable, growth of the AI industry. We need a responsible energy policy that balances innovation with sustainability and equitable access to reliable power for all Californians, not one that sacrifices our future for the sake of expedited corporate expansion.