Pittsburg hosting virtual workshop following concerns about data centers
Pittsburg, California is holding a virtual community workshop to address resident concerns following backlash over an approved data center project developed by AVAIO Digital. The workshop aims to educate residents on data center policies and projects, as an online petition opposing the project has garnered over 24,000 signatures due to environmental impact and resource constraint worries. The community coalition "Stop Pittsburg Data Center" is urging the city to implement a moratorium on new data center applications and adopt a comprehensive ordinance.
The city of Pittsburg, California, is set to host a virtual community workshop on July 30, prompted by significant resident backlash against an approved data center project. Councilmember Jelani Killings stated the workshop aims to foster a "deeper conversation" about data center development policies, procedures, and existing projects in the city, following a packed City Hall meeting in June where hundreds of residents voiced objections.
The controversy centers on a data center developed by AVAIO Digital, which received approval in 2024 for Phase One of a three-phase development within the Pittsburg Technology Park. Residents have raised concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, resource strain, noise, and the project's long-term effects on the neighborhood, with an online petition opposing the project collecting over 24,000 signatures.
Pittsburg City Manager Darin Gale acknowledged the "thoughtful" questions from residents and the city's commitment to addressing them. The city has updated its data center webpage and is exploring further community engagement. However, the "Stop Pittsburg Data Center" coalition criticized the city for scheduling a staff-run webinar instead of a public City Council meeting with live comments and direct council action, contrary to what they claim was a previous promise.
The coalition has also called upon the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to assess the data center's 37 biodiesel backup generators as a single pollution source and conduct a health risk assessment. Furthermore, they are urging Pittsburg to enact a moratorium on new data center applications and approvals, including future phases of the current project, until a comprehensive data center ordinance with public input is adopted, citing recent actions by nearby Oakley and Brentwood councils regarding similar measures.