California Chamber of Commerce

Stories

Voters reject industry-backed environmental measures and data center projects

Sponsored Proposition 45, which lost

Voters in at least ten states decided more than 40 questions about energy, water, conservation and data centers on Nov. 3. The pattern was consistent: measures sponsored by an industry lost, and measures to restrict data centers or fund water systems won.

Updated 2 hours ago

California's regulatory laboratory

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Opposed Proposition 32 minimum wage increase

California raised its minimum wage to $16.90 on January 1, 2026, and closed the loophole on its failed 2014 plastic bag ban. These are the latest moves in a decades-long experiment testing whether aggressive regulation can coexist with economic growth.

Updated May 19