San Diego City Council imposes moratorium on new data centers amid public concern
The San Diego City Council voted 9-0 to impose a temporary moratorium on new data centers and expansions of existing facilities while the city develops regulations examining water use, electricity demand and infrastructure costs. The pause does not apply to Manchester Financial Group's proposed 400-megawatt data center on federal Navy property near Old Town, although council members expressed opposition to that project.
The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a temporary citywide moratorium on new data centers and expansions of existing facilities after about 90 minutes of public comment. Residents and other speakers cited concerns about water consumption, electricity demand, rising utility costs and broader environmental impacts, with some calling for a permanent ban. The city plans to study the effects of data centers and develop regulations before allowing new projects to proceed.
The moratorium does not cover a proposed 400-megawatt facility that Manchester Financial Group has discussed for federal Navy property near Old Town because the site falls under federal jurisdiction. Council members said they oppose the project and have limited authority to stop it. The company said the data center is one of several ideas it has proposed and that no final decision has been made. Congressman Scott Peters' office also pointed to pending legislation that would require data center developers to pay for their electricity and infrastructure costs.