Richmond, California, extends data center moratorium for two years
The Richmond City Council unanimously extended the city’s temporary data center ban for two years while officials study potential health, environmental, water and electricity impacts. Richmond has no data centers or pending applications, and the city plans to hold public hearings and develop land-use policies before considering future facilities.
The Richmond City Council extended a 45-day data center moratorium by 22 months and 15 days, creating a two-year ban on new facilities. The city has no data centers and has not received an application, but council members said the pause would allow officials to study potential effects on community health, the environment, water use, power demand, pollution and noise.
City staff, led in part by Planning Manager Avery Stark, will interview stakeholders including PG&E and the East Bay Municipal Utility District, conduct public hearings and develop land-use policies. Councilmember Claudia Jimenez cited impacts seen in other communities, while Councilmember Jamelia Brown said she wanted more information before deciding how Richmond should regulate the facilities. Residents and Communities for a Better Environment supported the moratorium and urged strong regulation.