S.F., Oakland vote to temporarily ban new data centers. Another city is taking a different path
San Francisco and Oakland approved 45-day moratoriums on new data centers, while Santa Clara explored stricter regulations rather than an immediate ban. Santa Clara officials cited data centers’ major electricity and water consumption, while supporters argued the facilities generate substantial tax and utility revenue.
San Francisco and Oakland approved 45-day moratoriums on new data centers that could be extended for up to two years or become permanent. San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton said the pause would help protect communities and resources, while Oakland residents and public commenters raised concerns about gentrification, water use, electricity demand and the broader reach of the technology industry.
Santa Clara took a different approach, with its City Council considering new rules for water use and air-quality impacts. Mayor Lisa Gillmor defended data centers as economic contributors and said the city’s existing requirements on electricity, reclaimed water, carbon-neutral energy, noise and infrastructure costs provide safeguards. Council members Karen Hardy and Kevin Park supported considering a moratorium, but no vote was taken; the city has already stopped accepting new data center applications because of limited energy capacity.