Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) announced an executive order Thursday aimed at protecting workers as fears grow that artificial intelligence could replace jobs across major industries.
The order positions California at the forefront of the national debate over AI regulation and workforce protections, as the technology rapidly reshapes industries ranging from media to customer service. Newsom framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to prepare the state for what he described as a fundamental transformation of work and government.
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“California has never sat back and watched as the future happened to us — and we won’t start now,” Newsom said. “We have taken the lead on advancing innovation, safety, and transparency. But we must think bigger. This moment demands that we reimagine the entire system — how we work, how we govern, how we prepare people for the future.”
California has become the center of the global AI industry, with 33 of the world’s top 50 private AI companies based in the state. State officials said the executive order is designed to balance continued innovation with worker protections, consumer privacy, and safety regulations.
The order directs state agencies to study and track AI’s impact on the workforce, including creating a statewide dashboard monitoring disruption across industries and drafting a report identifying economic warning signs tied to automation.
The state also plans to create a centralized online platform to help Californians navigate government assistance programs and identify social services for which they may qualify. Officials said California Volunteers will also be used to support workers facing long-term unemployment and provide training for entry-level employees adapting to AI-driven changes.
The announcement comes as concerns over AI-related job losses intensify nationwide. On Wednesday, Meta reportedly cut roughly 10% of its workforce, affecting about 8,000 employees, adding to anxieties about automation and restructuring within the tech sector.
At the federal level, the White House has largely taken a laissez-faire approach toward AI regulation as the United States competes with China in a technological development race.
The growth of AI has also intensified debate over the expansion of data centers, which power AI systems but consume massive amounts of electricity and water. Across the country, lawmakers and communities have increasingly raised concerns about the environmental impact of the facilities, fueling growing resistance to large-scale data center projects.
RESISTANCE TO DATA CENTERS GROWS NATIONWIDE
Newsom’s executive order builds on California’s earlier AI efforts. In 2023, the governor signed an executive order directing the state to study generative AI risks and responsible adoption practices.
“Today is just the first step as we rewrite policy and direction, creating a future of work that works for all,” Newsom said.
