Irwindale approves data center ban, adding to growing list of San Gabriel Valley cities
The Irwindale City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to ban data centers, citing concerns over environmental impacts, utility strain, noise, and water usage. This decision follows similar actions by other San Gabriel Valley cities like El Monte and Monterey Park, with some even pursuing voter-approved ballot initiatives. The ban will take effect 30 days after adoption.
The Irwindale City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 821 on September 9, enacting a ban on data centers within the city's zoning code, effective 30 days after its adoption. Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz emphasized the necessity of the ordinance, stating the city should remain open to responsible economic development while carefully considering the significant impact data centers could have on the community and residents.
This decision positions Irwindale among a growing number of San Gabriel Valley cities, including El Monte and Monterey Park, that have imposed bans or moratoriums to assess the effects of data centers. Concerns prompting these actions include substantial and continuous electrical demand, reliance on diesel or gas-powered backup generators impacting air quality, significant noise generation, and high water usage for cooling systems. Monterey Park and Alhambra have gone a step further, approving ballot initiatives for voters to decide on city-wide data center bans, which proponents view as a more robust safeguard.
Southern California Edison spokesperson Scott Johnson acknowledged awareness of Irwindale's ordinance but noted that data center growth in their region is "more moderate than many other regions in the country" for electrical consumption. Johnson also suggested that electric vehicles have a greater long-term impact on utility rates than potential data centers in Irwindale, given the city's limited development space. The Irwindale ban is expected to set an important precedent for residents and officials in the region.