Mayor Dyer co-sponsors councilmember's ordinance on 10 year AI data center ban

Fresno city leaders are moving forward with a proposed ordinance to implement a 10-year moratorium on the construction of AI data centers within city limits. Councilmember Nick Richardson introduced the ordinance, stating that the imposition of this type of business is not worth the benefit it creates for the community, citing concerns over water usage, noise pollution, and efficient land utilization. Richardson also noted that the ordinance aims to be proactive in addressing potential issues, acknowledging that technology may evolve over the next decade.

Mayor Jerry Dyer is co-sponsoring the agenda item, emphasizing that the decision isn't merely whether data centers can be built in Fresno, but whether they represent the best use of the city's limited land, water, energy, and infrastructure compared to other economic development opportunities. He also mentioned that current development codes allow data centers as a land use. This local action in Fresno comes as the Tulare County Board of Supervisors recently passed a 45-day moratorium on data centers, and the City of Hanford formally expressed opposition to any data center development without local review. The Fresno City Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the proposed ban.