San Jose’s draft data center development standards fall short
San Jose officials presented draft standards for future data centers covering electricity, water use, emissions, monitoring and labor requirements. Residents and environmental advocates argued the rules are too weak and called for a temporary moratorium while the standards are completed, which the City Council is expected to consider in December.
San Jose officials presented proposed development standards for future data centers at a public meeting attended by dozens of residents. The draft would restrict potable-water cooling, require recycled water or closed-loop systems, establish emissions and carbon-neutral electricity requirements, and mandate reporting and periodic independent audits of water and power use.
Environmental advocates, including Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter conservation coordinator Dashiel Leeds and Mothers Out Front Silicon Valley co-founder Linda Hutchins-Knowles, said the proposal lacks enforceable protections for air quality, heat, noise and water pollution. Speakers called for a temporary data center moratorium and changes to zoning rules that would give the City Council greater authority over individual projects. Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda said the standards remain open to revision and that two data centers could be approved before the rules are finalized, while union representatives supported the proposal's labor provisions.