East Bay cities move to pause new AI data centers
Hayward City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on new AI data centers while officials study noise, electricity-grid and water-system impacts. Richmond extended its existing moratorium for 22 months, while Pittsburg officials directed staff to draft a 45-day moratorium.
Hayward City Council approved a 45-day pause on development of new AI data centers. City staff will use the period to assess the impacts of four existing facilities and determine whether two proposed 99-megawatt centers near Arden Road and Corporate Avenue should move forward. The city could extend the moratorium for up to two years.
Richmond City Council extended its existing moratorium for 22 months, citing responsibility for protecting local water resources and concerns about noise from data center operations. In Pittsburg, the City Council directed staff to draft a 45-day moratorium, which the council is expected to consider in a future vote. The actions reflect growing Bay Area concerns about data center noise, water consumption and strain on the electrical grid.