San Francisco supervisors propose 45-day moratorium on new data centers

Members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Shamann Walton and co-sponsors Connie Chan, Jackie Fielder, and Chyanne Chen, are proposing a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals. The urgent ordinance was introduced Monday with the aim of pausing city approvals while the Board and Planning Department study the environmental impacts and develop updated regulations. The supervisors cited concerns about water use, energy demand, pollution, and noise associated with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

Supervisor Walton emphasized the need to move beyond outdated 2001 regulations for 2026 technology, noting that data centers have appeared near residential communities across the U.S., causing issues like water supply pollution and noise. The proposed moratorium is viewed as a crucial first step toward establishing permanent restrictions on data centers in San Francisco, authorized by state law that allows temporary halts in response to immediate threats to public health or welfare. The proposal follows similar actions, such as a 45-day moratorium approved in Gilroy, Santa Clara County, earlier the same day. If approved, the moratorium would take effect immediately and last 45 days, unless extended or replaced by permanent legislation.