Calaveras Supervisors Agree On Need For AI Data Center Moratorium
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors unanimously directed staff to draft an urgency ordinance to temporarily halt the construction of large data centers. This action is driven by concerns over land use, energy, water supply, and environmental impacts, particularly from AI-focused data centers. Supervisors aim to develop a more permanent ordinance after the temporary measure.
The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to direct staff to develop an urgency ordinance that would temporarily prevent the construction of large data centers, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence. The decision follows a national debate regarding the impacts of data centers on land use, energy supply, and water resources.
Calaveras Planning Director Brett Sampson expressed concerns about data centers being sited inappropriately and potentially bypassing thorough California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews. He also highlighted unknowns such as the potential for data centers to create "heat islands." Community members echoed these concerns during public comment.
Supervisor Gary Tofanelli strongly supported the moratorium, advocating for its swift approval and a subsequent permanent measure. Board Chair Benjamin Stopper, while generally pro-growth, stated that data centers do not fit the county's landscape. Supervisor Amanda Folendorf emphasized the need to target AI-type data centers specifically, avoiding unintended impacts on other IT infrastructure.
Supervisors Martin Huberty and Autumn Andahl also voiced support, with Andahl arguing that AI data centers are incompatible with the county's tourism, agriculture, and small business-based economic identity. The county's legal counsel advised that an urgency ordinance would last 45 days, extendable up to two years, allowing time to develop a permanent ordinance.