Oakland City Council approves 45-day moratorium on new data centers
The Oakland City Council unanimously approved an immediate 45-day moratorium on new data center development to study potential impacts on water supplies, electrical grids and air quality. The action followed protests and debate over Behring Companies’ proposed downtown Oakland data center conversion, with supporters citing economic and job benefits.
The Oakland City Council unanimously adopted a 45-day moratorium on new data center development, effective immediately. Sponsored by Councilmember Carroll Fife, the urgency measure is intended to give city officials time to assess environmental and operational impacts, including water consumption, electrical demand and air quality, while developing standards for future projects.
The vote followed protests outside City Hall and mixed testimony from residents. Opponents raised concerns about water use and the effect on regional resources, while supporters argued that data centers could create jobs and economic opportunities. The moratorium also comes amid scrutiny of Behring Companies’ plan to convert space near 20th and Franklin streets into a data center, with additional floors intended for artificial intelligence research. Mayor Barbara Lee said the pause would allow for public engagement and further discussion.