Two Victories Ensure Future of Data is Powered by Labor

With thousands of IBEW member calls and letters to legislators over the past few weeks, CSAEW’s lobbying campaign paid off with two decisive victories at the end of the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers passed two bills that will protect consumers and ensure future California data-center projects are built and operated under union labor standards, including prevailing wages and Skilled and Trained Workforce requirements.

SB 886 ensures that new, high-demand energy users contribute fairly to the cost of the grid, helping protect existing ratepayers while supporting long-term reliability. It also requires all projects meet the same labor standards as those certified by the California Energy Commission—guaranteeing strong protections for union labor, including prevailing wages and the use of a skilled, trained workforce. That means more high-quality, family sustaining jobs for CSAEW workers as more large energy projects come online.

AB 2383 is another win for union members and working families. Data centers will now be required to pay their fair share for the transmission and distribution infrastructure they require, preventing costs from being shifted onto working families and businesses. Most importantly, its Skilled and Trained Workforce/PLA provisions require any new infrastructure be constructed and maintained by trained union workers, creating a durable pipeline of high-quality jobs for CSAEW members.

Now, both bills are on the Governor’s desk, where we expect he will sign them into law.

We are truly #StrongerTogether.