California Environmental Quality Act: environmental leadership development projects: data centers: geothermal powerplant projects.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Enacted

Summary

The law changes CEQA rules so data‑center projects can no longer claim a categorical exemption and must meet a set of performance standards to be certified as an environmental leadership development project. It gives the governor authority to certify qualifying data centers and geothermal power plants, requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to create uniform standards, and mandates regular compliance reporting and penalties for violations. The changes aim to curb the growing electricity and water demand of data centers while protecting ratepayers and the environment.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

Assembly Rule 69(b)(1) suspended. (Ayes 55. Noes 17. Page 6296.) · Aug 21, 2026

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 13, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 5, 2026
• Utilities and Energy Committee Hearing
  Utilities and Energy · Jun 24, 2026
• Natural Resources Committee Hearing
  Natural Resources · Jun 22, 2026
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2026

History

1. Jun 1, 2026Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and U. & E.
2. May 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 9.) Ordered to the Assembly.
3. May 26, 2026In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
4. May 19, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
5. May 18, 2026Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
6. May 18, 2026From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (May 14).
7. May 8, 2026Set for hearing May 14.
8. May 4, 2026May 4 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.
9. Apr 24, 2026Set for hearing May 4.
10. Apr 22, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 3. Page 3973.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
11. Apr 16, 2026Set for hearing April 21.
12. Apr 9, 2026From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.

The 12 most recent of 19 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Steve Padilla (D) · sponsor
• Arreguín
• Connolly
• Padilla
• Weber Pierson

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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