Proposed Oakland Data Center Draws Opposition, Developer and Councilmember Respond
Behring Companies has proposed a data center in downtown Oakland as part of a larger AI campus, claiming it differs from typical large-scale facilities and aligns with the building's prior use as a supercomputing complex. Despite developer assurances and support from Councilmember Carroll Fife, the project is facing early opposition from groups like the Party for Socialism and Liberation, who have launched a petition citing environmental and job concerns.
A proposed data center project by Behring Companies in downtown Oakland, California, is drawing early opposition despite the developer's and a city council member's reassurances that it's not a typical large-scale facility. The project, located at 415 20th St. in a building that previously housed a supercomputing complex for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is envisioned as a 20,000 square-foot data center within a larger artificial intelligence campus. CEO Colin Behring emphasized that the proposed use is similar to the building's past operations and distinct from mega-facilities that have raised environmental concerns elsewhere.
Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife, whose district includes the project site, supports the development as part of her goal to revitalize downtown with responsible projects. She plans to monitor the proposal and is developing legislation to define responsible AI use. However, the Party for Socialism and Liberation has launched an online petition, voicing concerns that AI data centers destroy jobs and the environment, asserting that the fight is over who controls Oakland's future.
The proposal, which has been submitted to city staff, is in its initial stages and has not yet reached the City Council for approval. The developer suggests it may not require additional approval if it aligns with existing uses. The project is projected to create up to 2,300 jobs.