Stanislaus County leaders don’t have firm position on data centers. ‘It’s premature’
Stanislaus County leaders currently lack a formal stance on data center development, citing a lack of specific proposals within their jurisdiction. However, residents in Modesto and some city council members are advocating for a moratorium and new ordinances to restrict or ban AI data centers due to environmental concerns. Neighboring Calaveras County is also exploring a moratorium.
Stanislaus County officials are currently holding off on taking a firm position regarding data center development within their jurisdiction, with Board of Supervisors Chairman Vito Chiesa stating it's "premature" without specific proposals. Supervisors like Terry Withrow anticipate the county will begin an analysis of data centers to understand their potential impacts on the community's quality of life. The county has not yet received any formal data center proposals.
However, discussions and opposition are more active in neighboring areas and within cities in Stanislaus County. Modesto City Council members and residents have voiced strong concerns, with Councilmember Eric Alvarez supporting a proposed moratorium on data centers and Councilmember Chris Ricci expressing interest in an ordinance to ban AI data centers specifically. Similarly, Calaveras County is considering a moratorium in preparation for potential proposals. Environmental concerns such as high energy and water consumption, hazardous emissions, and noise are central to the opposition.