L.A. County Supervisors Considering Drafting Data Center Restrictions
Los Angeles County supervisors will consider Supervisor Hilda Solis’ motion directing county agencies to draft zoning restrictions that could ban large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. The proposal cites concerns about energy use, water consumption, noise, pollution and public health, while residents are urging the county to adopt an immediate moratorium.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis is scheduled to present a motion directing the Department of Regional Planning to draft a zoning amendment barring large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. The department would establish the criteria for a large-scale facility based on factors including acreage, square footage, energy demand and water use, while the Department of Public Health would reassess whether data center noise complies with county regulations.
The motion follows opposition to a proposed artificial-intelligence data center in El Segundo that was expected to use 49.5 megawatts of power and 5,423 gallons of water per day before the developer withdrew the proposal. Residents have submitted 101 pages of comments seeking a broader and faster moratorium, while the motion would require Regional Planning and County Counsel to prepare for a moratorium if a project poses an immediate public health or safety risk.