Tuolumne County Planning Commission Hears Opposition To Data Centers
The Tuolumne County Planning Commission heard widespread opposition to potential data center development during a meeting attended by about 65 people. County staff are gathering public input to draft an ordinance regulating data centers, but no formal action was taken and no projects are currently proposed.
The Tuolumne County Planning Commission in Sonora heard public comments on potential regulations for data centers, with about 65 residents attending and all 20 speakers opposing such development. Residents cited concerns about electricity and water consumption, noise, light pollution, environmental and health impacts, and possible harm to the county’s tourism economy. A petition calling for a complete ban was also circulated.
Community Development Director Tamera Blankenship said county staff are still reviewing feedback and will prepare an ordinance for future consideration by the Planning Commission and the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. Commissioners discussed whether data centers should be limited to industrial zones, subject to setbacks, or categorized by energy consumption, while emphasizing that no formal decision has been made and no data center proposals currently exist in the county.