Riverbank considers extending data center moratorium to evaluate new California laws
The Riverbank City Council is considering extending the city’s 45-day data center moratorium by 10 1/2 months. The extension would give officials time to evaluate new California requirements and develop local rules addressing data centers’ energy, water, environmental and infrastructure impacts.
The Riverbank City Council is scheduled to vote on extending a moratorium on data center land-use applications for 10 1/2 months. The city imposed the initial 45-day pause in September, and the extension would require four votes from the five-member council.
Riverbank has no local standards specifically governing data centers, which could otherwise be considered an unlisted use on land zoned for heavy industry. Aemetis Inc. is developing a proposed 60-megawatt data center at the Riverbank Industrial Complex, although City Manager Marisela Garcia said the city has received no additional proposals or inquiries since the moratorium began.
The city says the additional time would allow it to assess new California laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, including requirements for developers to disclose expected electricity and water use and pay for necessary grid and water-system upgrades. The legislation also removes California Environmental Quality Act exemptions for data centers that do not meet state energy and water conservation standards.