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Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 5:34 AM EST

Prop. 45 and Data Center CEQA Rules

Coverage from Legal Planet, Sacramento Bee, and others

Prop. 45 and Data Center CEQA Rules topic image

California Proposition 45, also called BACA in the available analyses, would change CEQA procedures for certain designated essential projects, including review and litigation timelines and other protections for covered projects.

Whether data centers qualify is unresolved: the measure does not expressly name them, while its broadband internet access provisions may offer a route to coverage, including for data centers treated as part of wider connectivity projects. The answer could shape environmental review and permitting, as well as the scope of local authority over covered projects. The dispute turns on how the measure’s language is interpreted, not on an established determination that data centers are included or excluded.

Looking Back
113 Day Timeline
Jun 24Jul 15Aug 5Sep 2Sep 23Oct 14
All Articles7 articles
Important5 articles · CI Score 60 and above
Legal Planet / Eric Biber
Why Proposition 45 Could Cover California Data Centers
California Proposition 45 could extend CEQA exemptions and vested rights to data centers through essential or ancillary broadband infrastructure provisions, but courts must resolve the statutory ambiguity.
9/11/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Legal Planet / Eric Biber
California CEQA Ballot Initiative Could Ease Data Center Approvals
California Chamber of Commerce CEQA reform ballot initiative could apply to data centers in California, truncating environmental review and vesting rights after permitting submittal.
6/25/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Sacramento Bee
Experts Debate Whether Prop. 45 Would Cover California Data Centers
California environmental law experts are disputing whether Proposition 45 would apply to data centers and shorten CEQA reviews if voters approve the measure.
9/3/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
The Sacramento Bee
Prop. 45 Debate Centers On Data Center CEQA Eligibility
California Proposition 45 supporters and opponents are disputing whether the measure would expedite environmental review for data centers across California.
8/27/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Los Angeles Times / Lila Seidman
Could California’s Prop. 45 Speed Data Center Approvals?
During debate over California's Proposition 45, the measure's disputed CEQA scope could affect review of the proposed Imperial Valley Data Center Campus in Imperial County.
10/14/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Interesting2 articles · CI Score 45–59
Legal Planet / Eric Biber
Could California’s CEQA Rollback Cover Data Centers?
California ballot initiative would roll back CEQA for essential projects, and legal definitions could include data center development and related fiber and utility work.
6/24/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General
Times of San Diego / Pamela Heatherington
California Prop. 45 Could Weaken Public Review Of Data Centers
Pamela Heatherington is urging San Diego voters to reject California Proposition 45, a ballot measure she says could reduce local review of data center projects.
10/3/2026 • Permitting & Regulation • General