A new talking point in LA County’s election season: Data centers
Data center opposition has become a major issue in Los Angeles County elections, with proposed bans, ballot measures, moratoriums and candidate campaigns emerging across the San Gabriel Valley and other communities. Local officials and residents cite concerns about water use, electricity demand, pollution, fire risks and impacts on neighborhoods, while several projects have been rejected, withdrawn or challenged.
Data center development has become a prominent issue in Los Angeles County local elections. Alhambra voters are expected to consider Measure DB, which would make the city’s existing data center ban permanent, following Monterey Park’s voter-approved prohibition. Organizers connected to the Monterey Park campaign are running for office and promoting similar restrictions in Montebello, El Monte, Baldwin Park and other San Gabriel Valley communities.
Opposition has also affected specific energy and data center proposals. Covina’s planning commission rejected RWE’s battery storage project, West Covina adopted a resolution opposing large-scale data centers and battery facilities, and a developer withdrew a proposed 240,000-square-foot facility in El Segundo after resident opposition. Huntington Park approved a 45-day moratorium, while Los Angeles County officials have studied broader restrictions and imposed a county planning moratorium. Supporters of development argue that data centers bring jobs and tax revenue, but critics continue to focus on water consumption, grid demands, environmental risks and potential effects on utility costs.