Sacramento leaders offer assurances of transparency on future data center projects
Sacramento city leaders are emphasizing transparency and public discussion as they prepare to develop policies for future data center projects. This comes after a report of a potential large data center proposal by Link Logistics and concerns from residents about existing noise issues. The city plans to amend its zoning code to define and regulate data centers.
Sacramento city officials, including Mayor Kevin McCarty and Planning Director Greg Sandlund, are emphasizing transparency in developing policies for future data center projects. This initiative follows a report by PBS KVIE's Abridged detailing that Link Logistics, a New York-based industrial real estate firm, is in discussions with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) regarding a potential large data center in the city. McCarty has instructed city staff to study potential data center policies, considering energy, water, infrastructure, and neighborhood impacts, to prepare for future proposals.
Sandlund clarified that Sacramento's current zoning code does not define data centers as a land use, meaning the city would need to amend its code and establish specific zones or conditional use permits for such facilities. Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, prompted by constituent noise complaints from an existing data center on county land, called for public discussion and is working with Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes on a policy addressing environmental and noise concerns. Kaplan indicated she might support a ban on very large data centers.
While acknowledging resident fears and the lack of data centers currently within city limits, Mayor McCarty believes a moratorium is unnecessary at this time. He emphasized the need to address questions about potential impacts on residents, water, and energy before taking a definitive stance on approving or rejecting data center construction. John Vignocchi, CEO of the Sacramento Regional Business Leaders Council, urged city leaders to proactively establish groundwork for data center projects. Environmental law professor Dave Owen noted the nationwide trend of varying governmental approaches to data center regulation and the public's growing concern over their rapid proliferation without adequate process.