A smarter approach to AI starts in California

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OPINION – From spotting wildfires before they spread to streamlining government services, artificial intelligence is already helping California tackle some of its toughest challenges. The pace of innovation here isn’t just exciting—it’s electrifying. And the potential to deliver real public good? Off the charts.

As a former governor and U.S. Energy Secretary, I’ve seen decades of game-changing technologies up close. But few rival the sheer scale and transformative power of AI. And nowhere is better equipped to lead this revolution—for good—than California.

I’m an AI optimist – for good reason. California companies and researchers are deploying AI to crack problems that have eluded experts for decades. Tools powered by AI are now detecting wildfires in real time and accelerating emergency response. Our energy sector is using AI to spot vulnerabilities and slash interconnection wait times, speeding our shift to clean power. State agencies are piloting AI tools to make government smarter, faster, and more responsive to the people it serves.

This leadership isn’t accidental. California is home to 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies, a deep bench of research talent, entrepreneurs, and consumers who demand innovation. California has built an unparalleled ecosystem that’s shaping the future of technology for the world.

But that leadership is fragile—and under threat.

In the past year alone, more than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced in state legislatures across the U.S. Many are well-intentioned. But without coordination, they risk creating a patchwork of conflicting rules—confusion for companies, chaos for developers, and uncertainty for consumers. Worse, overly rigid or reactive regulations could freeze innovation in place, pushing breakthroughs—and jobs—overseas. In fact, Europe is already moving to correct its aggressive approach on AI.

Leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi have rightly urged caution. California’s AI working group warns that overly prescriptive or static regulation could do more harm than good.

They’re right. There’s a smarter path forward.

During my time in federal and state government, I saw how thoughtful national standards can drive progress while protecting people. It’s what we did with clean energy. It’s what we did with auto fuel economy standards.  It’s what we did with food safety, medical devices, vehicle safety, and more. And it’s exactly what we need now for AI: clear, consistent rules that uphold American values and unleash American innovation—from Silicon Valley to the heartland.

The good news? The work has already begun. The Joint California Policy Working Group’s report on AI Frontier Models recognized the importance of aligning standards across jurisdictions. Consistent, clear standards could serve as the backbone for a national AI strategy that protects the public and keeps America at the forefront of global innovation.

As federal frameworks take shape, there is still plenty for California to lead on – government adoption, preparing our state’s workforce to put AI to work – in energy, healthcare, and education sectors, to name a few. And continuing supporting our world-class universities that are at the forefront of advances in research and applied uses of AI.

California has led every wave of modern technology. Now, we must lead again—not just in building the future, but in shaping the rules that will govern it.

Let’s not trap ourselves in a maze of duplicative, inconsistent regulations that slow progress and drive innovation overseas. Let’s choose national clarity over a jumble of state laws.  Let’s ensure everyone — from California to the Carolinas — has consistent, safe access to the use of AI for good.

We have one chance to get this right—and we should balance urgency with wisdom. Let’s lead with both.

Jennifer Granholm Is the former U.S. Energy Secretary and Governor of Michigan and a current California resident.