Voters in California and Colorado rejected ballot measures with significant environmental and energy implications, according to results tallied Wednesday. The outcomes came alongside other measures affecting data centers, utilities, water use and public revenues across the country.
In California, Proposition 45 appeared headed for defeat. The proposal would have changed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), setting a 365-day limit for environmental reviews of major projects and requiring related legal challenges to be resolved within 270 days. Supporters, including the state Chamber of Commerce, argued that the changes would speed up housing and infrastructure construction. Opponents said they could weaken environmental review and limit communities’ ability to address harm to air, water and cultural resources.
With 58 percent of votes counted as of Wednesday afternoon, about 54 percent opposed the measure and 46 percent supported it. The proposal could pass with a simple majority, but changes to it would require approval from two-thirds of the Legislature. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated that, if enacted, it could cost state and local governments more than $100 million annually, in part because of environmental damage from projects receiving limited review or public input.
Colorado voters also rejected Amendment 82. With 81 percent of votes tallied, the measure—which would have established a constitutional right for consumers to buy natural gas and for suppliers to sell it—was failing. Its stated aim was to prevent restrictions on natural gas sales and infrastructure, including limits on gas connections in new construction. Environmental groups argued it could undermine the state’s climate goals and set a precedent by placing protections for one industry in the state constitution.
Other results reflected a varied set of environmental and energy decisions. Data Centers on the Ballot reported that voters had approved 38 measures to restrict data centers nationwide. In Michigan, voters passed a citizen-led proposal barring utility and electric companies, along with certain government contractors, from making campaign contributions.
In Tucson, Arizona, early results showed voters rejecting a 25-year franchise agreement with Tucson Electric Power. The deal would have provided the city with $64 million for sustainability and infrastructure projects, while critics said it would commit Tucson to a long-term arrangement with a for-profit utility. In Florida, voters approved Amendment 3, a property-tax measure expected to reduce funding for water management districts, including by more than $89 million in 2027. Voters in Corpus Christi, Texas, approved fees on water use by regional refineries and chemical plants during future droughts.
Sources: Inside Climate News.