Data center moratorium extended in Tulare County, as community calls for permanent ban
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors extended a moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas for an additional ten months and fifteen days, following a public hearing. Residents expressed significant environmental concerns and called for a permanent ban on data centers. The board also voted to adopt a letter of opposition to data center construction within the county.
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted to extend a moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas for an additional ten months and fifteen days, following a public hearing on Tuesday. The initial 45-day pause, introduced in August, was implemented to assess the potential impacts of data centers on the county's resources and infrastructure. The board's unanimous decision also included a request for ongoing updates regarding comprehensive land use regulations.
During the public hearing, numerous residents and community advocates, including Mariela Loera, policy manager with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, and Joe Delgado, Organizing Director with Power California, voiced strong opposition. They cited concerns about environmental impacts such as air and water pollution, high electricity costs, and the strain on already burdened communities like Matheny Tract, Tooleville, and Pixley. Many speakers demanded a permanent ban on data center construction, arguing that extending the moratorium was insufficient.
Michael Washam of the county’s Resource Management Agency informed the board that a dedicated website and an online survey would be launched to gather public feedback and provide information on the county's study of data center impacts, including electrical demand, water use, and regulatory options like zoning requirements. Supervisor Eddie Valero questioned if a complete ban could be a future recommendation, to which Washam confirmed "all options are on the table" for the board's final decision.
A representative from the California Construction Labor Management Trust, a coalition of construction companies, requested the board to vote against extending the urgency ordinance, citing concerns about compliance with government codes. Despite this, the Board also voted 3-2 to adopt a letter of opposition to data center construction within Tulare County, with Supervisors Valero and Dennis Townsend dissenting. Supervisor Amy Shuklian clarified that the board's authority on the moratorium is limited to unincorporated areas.