San Francisco supervisors hit pause on new data centers amid AI boom
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day moratorium on approving new data centers to study their energy, water, air-quality, land-use and community impacts. The pause, sponsored by Supervisor Shamann Walton, could be extended for up to two years as the city considers stronger long-term regulations.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals, giving city officials time to examine the facilities’ energy and water use, air-quality effects, land-use impacts and effects on communities. Supervisor Shamann Walton sponsored the measure, which he described as a first step toward permanent restrictions, particularly in Bayview and South of Market neighborhoods with existing environmental-justice concerns.
San Francisco Planning officials and the Department of Building Inspection are expected to report to supervisors within 25 days on the study and potential regulatory changes. The moratorium could be extended for up to two years. Officials said the city has no pending applications for new data centers, while Oakland and Gilroy have adopted similar 45-day pauses.