San Joaquin County might pause data centers. 'We need to put our residents first’
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors is considering a moratorium on new data centers due to concerns about water, power consumption, and noise. The board directed its Community Development Department to research the issue and could vote on a 45-day pause in October. This action follows similar discussions in Modesto and an extended moratorium in Patterson.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has initiated steps to research a potential moratorium on large data center developments, particularly those for artificial intelligence. During a recent meeting, the board directed the county's Community Development Department to study the issue, with a possible vote on an initial 45-day pause anticipated in October. Supervisors, including Chairman Sonny Dhaliwal, emphasized the need to prioritize residents' quality of life and gather community input, citing concerns about water and power consumption and noise impacts that have sparked protests nationwide.
The county's move follows similar discussions in other California localities. The Modesto City Council recently heard calls for a data center moratorium, while the Patterson City Council extended its existing moratorium to a full year, set to end in July 2027. Additionally, the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted to research a similar moratorium. The Stockton City Council also acted to remove data centers as a land use from its economic plan. Currently, San Joaquin County's code lacks specific regulations for data center impacts, prompting staff to seek public comment and establish new protocols before any applications are submitted.
One specific development mentioned is a company discussing a small data center at the former Army ammunition plant in Riverbank, where Aemetis Inc. already has approval for renewable fuel production.