San Diego City Council passes a temporary moratorium on data centers
The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center development to give officials time to establish rules addressing electricity, water use, environmental impacts and neighborhood effects. The pause has drawn strong public support from opponents, but it does not apply to a potential Manchester Financial Group data center at the federally controlled NAVWAR site.
The San Diego City Council voted 9-0 to impose an immediate, 45-day moratorium on new data centers within the city. The ordinance, prompted by Mayor Todd Gloria’s executive order, allows up to two extensions totaling 10 months and 15 days and creates a framework for developing requirements related to utility costs, renewable energy, recycled water, backup generation and setbacks from schools, parks and child-care facilities.
The moratorium does not directly affect Manchester Financial Group’s exploration of a potential 400-megawatt data center at the former Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, because the NAVWAR property is federal land outside the city’s jurisdiction. Manchester President and CEO Ted Eldredge said the company is considering multiple redevelopment options and that any proposal would require environmental review. About 70 speakers opposed data center growth during the council hearing, citing electricity bills, water consumption and neighborhood impacts, while San Diego Gas & Electric said new large customers should pay the costs of connecting to the grid.