Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) called California Proposition 45 “a handout to allow for more data centers and more pollution.”
Khanna wrote in a post on X on Monday, “I am a strong No,” and added: “Join the firefighters, nurses, environmentalists, & working families fighting to stop Prop 45 from giving a green light to corporate polluters.” The post included a video.
Khanna Targets PG&E
In the video, Khanna said PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) “is behind it,” and that “They’re calling it an affordable housing bill, but that’s just not true.”
He said, “We can’t just give a green light to allow data centres to be built around the state and to give corporate polluters free rein.” He closed: “Vote no on Proposition 45.”
PG&E Corporation did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
What is Proposition 45
Proposition 45 would amend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to speed up environmental review for certain projects, including most housing, transportation, water and health projects, by setting deadlines for reviews and related lawsuits, the state voter guide said. Voters will decide on Nov. 3.
Khanna’s Data Center Warnings
Data centers power AI systems and cloud computing services but can require substantial electricity and water, intensifying concerns about infrastructure capacity, utility bills and environmental impacts. Khanna has warned that AI data center expansion is straining local infrastructure and the environment. His proposed Data Center Bill of Rights would give communities more power to oppose projects and restrict development in residential areas and farmland.
San Francisco has also temporarily halted data center development citywide under a 45-day moratorium signed by Mayor Daniel Lurie, as officials examine the potential impact on electricity costs, water resources, and surrounding communities.
Khanna’s Proposition 40 Stance
California’s voter guide describes Proposition 40 as a one-time tax of 5% on certain taxpayers with assets over $1 billion, with revenue primarily for health care.
Khanna has also pushed Democrats to back Prop 40, asking, “Are we going to stand with 250 billionaires in California, or with poor kids who need healthcare?” Voters will decide on the measure during the upcoming mid term elections.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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