San Jose Spotlight: Santa Clara Wants Better Water, Air Standards For Data Centers
Santa Clara officials unanimously approved a plan to prioritize new water and air-quality standards for data centers and conduct a broader review of their health, safety and community impacts. Council members are also considering a moratorium on new standalone data centers, while Silicon Valley Power continues to restrict new large-load applications because of capacity constraints.
The Santa Clara City Council unanimously directed staff to prioritize water and air-quality standards for data centers and undertake a broader review of siting, health, safety and community-benefit policies. Existing rules require developers to maximize recycled-water use but do not set a specific amount; officials may establish numerical requirements and require more water-efficient cooling systems. The city has 56 operating data centers and two approved projects that have not begun construction.
Councilmember Karen Hardy said she will bring a possible moratorium on new standalone data centers back for consideration after the issue was not reached during a late-night meeting. Councilmember Kevin Park also supported a moratorium, citing concerns that developers can continue pursuing land entitlements while waiting for electricity. Silicon Valley Power Director Nico Procos said the utility stopped accepting new large-load applications in 2023 because of capacity constraints, although eight entities had already completed system-impact studies. Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Planning Commissioner Eric Crutchlow highlighted the financial and regulatory uncertainty facing projects as the city considers common standards for water, air quality and power use.