(Just The News)—With the midterm elections approaching in November, one tech executive told The Center Square this week that many Americans, Californians included, are paying attention to the development of data centers and artificial intelligence.
The issue has become a hot-button one, as voters across the country focus on how the construction or expansion of data centers could increase electricity costs and safety concerns for residential ratepayers in states like Pennsylvania and Tennessee, according to previous reporting by The Center Square. There are also concerns nationally about water usage.
“Given that we’re in the midst of these midterms, data centers and AI are a great villain,” Wannie Park, founder and CEO of Malibu-based energy management software company Pado AI, told The Center Square this week. “It’s very easy to vilify and say ‘We’re against this,’ so we’ll see what happens after the midterms and how people react.”
According to a September 2025 survey by Heatmap Pro, an energy intelligence platform, 44% of respondents across the country supported construction of a data center near where they lived, while 42% opposed it.
Among some of the reasons respondents in that survey gave for why they would support a data center coming to their neck of the woods, some said they wanted to see the expansion of renewable energy. Other responses included that they wanted data centers to help power the digital economy, the U.S. to win the AI race against China, because they wanted data centers to generate more tax revenue or because they wanted to see the creation of more high-paying jobs.
However, a significant number of respondents were often more skeptical of those reasons than the number of respondents who found those reasons to be convincing.
In California, there could actually be room on the grid, since data centers currently aren’t utilizing most of the state’s electrical capacity.
“When you start thinking about the grid itself, and when you start thinking about how data centers operate, it is just a case study of inefficiencies and underutilization,” Park said. “When you look at the three largest investor-owned utilities, PG&E [Pacific Gas & Electric], Southern California Edison and probably [Sacramento Municipal Utility District], historically, they’re only utilizing the capacity of the grid 40%.”
Most of the year, the grid is underutilized, Park said. With the advent of technology like solar power and electric vehicles, the grid has to support volatile peak loads to prevent blackouts, according to the Pado AI founder.
“A lot of these data centers are being re-purposed and reconditioned for AI,” Park said. “What that means is you need more power-hungry EDUs for Nvidia. You need more cooling to support that power hunger, and you also need more power and consistent, non-stop, 24/7 baseload power.”
The demand on power is one reason for the moratoriums on the expansion and construction of data centers in California, Park said.
“You read a lot about how these developers need to foot the bill on the infrastructure,” Park said. “It’s not going to get waterfalled down to ratepayers or residential energy users.”
Cities throughout the state have taken actions on the data center issue as the expansion of AI technology continues to grow. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty said this week that the state capital is keeping tabs on data center expansion.
“With growing interest and concern around data centers, I want Sacramento to be prepared if a project comes our way,” McCarty told The Center Square via email. “We will be bringing forward a policy that considers potential impacts on our energy, water, infrastructure and neighborhoods, and the guardrails we would need to put in place to protect Sacramento residents.”
The issue has not escaped the attention of the California governor, either. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order this week that would require AI developers to create a “kill switch” for advanced AI models, and requires companies to periodically perform audits and evaluations of their AI technology. It also requires that companies report incidents in which they lose control of their AI technology, among other requirements.
“We’re not waiting to act – we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it’s too late,” the Democratic governor said in a press release sent from his office. “We’re going to do this thoughtfully but with urgent velocity. The stakes are too high to wait or delay action.”
Republican and Democratic lawmakers who have authored legislation regarding artificial intelligence and data centers did not respond to The Center Square on Friday or declined interviews. Organizations that do research on AI also did not respond to The Center Square.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.