government
Californians back CEQA reform, reject AI data centers by huge margins, poll finds
By Nicole Nixon at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
Most California voters appear hungry to reform state environmental law to speed up housing and infrastructure projects, according to a new poll. Voters also expressed strong opposition to AI data centers.
Key takeaway Voters also expressed strong opposition to AI data centers.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The strong opposition to AI data centers among Californians, as revealed in the latest poll, has significant implications for Los Angeles . As the city continues to grow and evolve, the presence of large tech infrastructure could have a profound impact on local communities, from noise pollution to increased energy consumption. The fact that voters are rejecting these data centers by a big margin suggests that residents are prioritizing quality of life and environmental concerns. This sentiment is likely to influence local government decisions on zoning and land use, particularly in areas where data centers are proposed. With Xavier Becerra poised to take the reins as governor, it will be worth watching how his administration navigates the complex interplay between technological advancement, economic growth, and community needs in cities like Los Angeles. The city's own policies on data centers and tech development may need to be reexamined in light of these poll results.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Most California voters appear hungry to reform state environmental law to speed up housing and infrastructure projects, according to a new poll. Voters also expressed strong opposition to AI data centers.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nicole Nixon at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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