POLITICO Tech Wildfires, AI and California’s complicated water politics
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Jan 15, 2025 Join Tyler Katzenberger, POLITICO’s California tech reporter, as he dives into the contentious intersection of wildfires and artificial intelligence. He reveals how data centers are criticized for their hefty water and electricity demands during fire crises. Katzenberger discusses California's legislative push for sustainable AI practices amidst ongoing water scarcity. Explore the complex politics of tech resource management and the urgent need for accountability in California's evolving landscape of environmental challenges.
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AI's Water Consumption and Wildfires
- Data centers powering AI consume vast amounts of water for cooling, raising concerns about water usage, especially during wildfires.
- Critics question how this water could be better used for firefighting or other essential needs in California, where water scarcity is a recurring issue.
Data Centers and Water Sustainability
- The link between data centers and dry hydrants during the Los Angeles wildfires isn't direct; the issue stemmed from low water pressure and an offline reservoir.
- However, the incident highlights broader concerns about California's water sustainability and how data centers contribute to overall water usage.
Proposed Legislation for Sustainable AI
- California lawmakers propose legislation promoting transparency in data center energy use, incentivizing sustainable practices through tax credits, and ensuring accountability for increased electricity demands.
- These bills aim to address water and electricity consumption by data centers, potentially influencing similar efforts nationwide.