Santa Cruz County supervisors reject proposal for voter input on AI data centers
Santa Cruz County Supervisors rejected a proposal to give voters a say on future AI data centers, citing a need for more information. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact, including water and electricity usage, noise, traffic, and air quality. Supervisor Justin Cummings, who brought the proposal forward, may pursue a citizen-led petition to get the ordinance on the ballot.
Santa Cruz County Supervisors have voted against a proposal that would have given residents the power to approve or reject future AI data center projects through ballot measures. The decision came on Tuesday, with supervisors expressing a need for more time to understand AI technology and its implications before enacting such an ordinance.
Supervisor Justin Cummings introduced the proposal, which sought to require voter approval for any changes to county zoning ordinances related to data center developments. During the meeting, significant concerns were voiced regarding the potential impact of data centers on local resources, including substantial water and electricity consumption, noise, traffic, and air quality.
Despite the rejection, Supervisor Cummings indicated that the possibility of a citizen-initiated petition to place the ordinance on the ballot remains open. Residents shared their opposition during the meeting, with some expressing general anti-AI sentiments and concerns about job displacement. The county currently faces no definitive data center projects, but the debate highlights ongoing community and governmental deliberations over future technological development and its environmental footprint.