Oakley council extends A.I. data center moratorium

The Oakley City Council has unanimously extended its moratorium on the approval of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers until April 14, 2027, aiming to prevent new developments. This action was taken at their May 12 meeting, renewing an initial 45-day moratorium before its expiration to avoid any gap in permitting. The council also has the option to extend the moratorium for an additional year upon its new expiration. A joint work session between the City Council and Planning Commission is scheduled for this summer to discuss the implementation of permanent regulations or a complete ban on data centers in Oakley. Public sentiment, as expressed by residents like Briana Rose and ecological activist Bud Chaddock, strongly favors a ban, citing potential damage to resident health, environmental concerns such as microplastic leakage from cooling systems into wastewater, and a desire to preserve the city's rural character. Councilmember George Fuller voiced his unease with AI technology and data centers, highlighting worries about illegal uses, increased energy bills (citing a 22% rise in New Jersey attributed to data centers), and the city's lack of understanding regarding their full impact. He noted a Canadian company, POET, is developing technology to reduce data center water and power usage. In a separate discussion, the Council gave a cautious recommendation to staff to explore joining the Joint Powers Authority of the Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) system. This system is designed for stormwater management and green infrastructure within Contra Costa County, helping communities comply with the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit. Assistant Engineer Brianne Visaya noted the RAC system could offer developers in Oakley greater flexibility by allowing them to purchase compliance units rather than building on-site green infrastructure, especially in space-constrained areas like the Downtown Specific Area. However, Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows expressed reservations about the RAC system's cost-sharing structure, questioning why Oakley, which is less affected by industrial pollution, should contribute equally to the rehabilitation of more polluted cities like Richmond. Despite these concerns, Meadows supported moving forward with joining the RAC system. The Council ultimately instructed staff to bring the RAC topic back for further discussion, acknowledging Oakley's struggles with increasing stormwater regulation costs.