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California cities pull the plug on data centers after state regulations don’t scale up fast enough
At least 26 moratoriums, resolutions or bans have been proposed or passed since June as residents cite grid strain, water use and pollution.
- Oakland city council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals in early October, while San Francisco adopted a similar measure this month, marking the fourth Bay Area city to freeze construction.
- Although Governor Gavin Newsom signed seven measures last month focusing on disclosure and grid protection, local residents argue these regulations are insufficient to address concerns about power grid strain, water depletion, and air pollution.
- California currently hosts 366 data centers, ranking third nationally in density, while Food & Water Watch reports at least 26 resolutions or bans proposed across the state since June.
- Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project, argues blanket bans erode negotiating power, stating, "We want this billion dollar investment to go somewhere else, anywhere but here," while promoting a Community Compact for local guarantees.
- Alhambra residents will vote on a moratorium measure in the November election, while the tension between local control and global technological dominance remains unresolved as cities continue drafting temporary freezes.
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34 Articles
34 Articles
California cities pull the plug on data centers after state regulations don’t scale up fast enough
Despite seven new statewide laws regulating data centers, at least 26 resolutions, moratoriums, or bans on data centers have been passed or proposed in California since June.
·San Diego, United States
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Total News Sources34
Leaning Left13Leaning Right3Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 42%
C 48%
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