San Jose residents push back on new AI data centers during city listening session
San Jose city leaders are drafting new guidelines for regulating future AI data centers following a community listening session. Residents expressed strong opposition, citing concerns over power grid strain, water usage, and potential health risks. The city plans to finalize proposed data center standards for a City Council vote in December.
San Jose city leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan, held their first community listening session at City Hall to gather public feedback on proposed guidelines for future artificial intelligence data centers. The city is developing new standards and best practices to regulate the development of these facilities, with a final list of standards scheduled for a City Council vote in December.
Community members voiced overwhelming opposition to expanding data center operations. Residents raised concerns about the substantial resources required, particularly the strain on local power grids and water supplies, especially in the context of potential future droughts. Fears regarding pollution and health risks to neighboring families were also expressed.
Despite the presence of approximately 20 operating data centers and another 11 in various stages of approval, residents and local community groups called for an immediate moratorium on new data center projects until comprehensive regulations are finalized. However, city officials indicated that a moratorium is not currently under consideration, though more opportunities for public input will be offered in the coming months.
Mayor Mahan reiterated that the purpose of these sessions is to integrate community input into the city's priorities and regulations for data center development, rather than to advocate for data centers.