Stanislaus County Communities Enact Moratoriums, Face Opposition to Data Centers
Several cities in Stanislaus County, California, are experiencing strong public opposition to data center developments, leading to moratoriums in Patterson and Riverbank. The Modesto Irrigation District is addressing concerns about power consumption, while a proposed "modular" data center in Riverbank by Spartan Data Centers and Aemetis aims to mitigate environmental impacts. Local leaders are navigating the complexities of economic development versus community apprehension regarding data center infrastructure.
The article discusses the widespread apprehension and opposition to data center developments in Stanislaus County, California, and surrounding areas, which are increasingly seen as an "existential threat" by local communities. Several cities in the county have taken action, with Patterson and Riverbank city councils recently enacting moratoriums on data center construction. This comes amidst strong public outcry, exemplified by 200 Modesto residents urging their city leaders to reject a data center project even before its official proposal.
Concerns primarily revolve around the immense water and energy consumption of data centers, potential noise, minimal job creation, and perceived under-the-radar approval processes, as highlighted by a past Amazon project in Gilroy. Professor Greg C. Wright of UC Merced, who has studied data center employment effects, notes that while data centers create some jobs, they are far fewer than manufacturing plants and can lead to rising home prices without increasing average wages.
Despite the prevailing opposition, some entities advocate for data center development. Aemetis, a leasing agent for the Riverbank Industrial Complex, pleaded with Riverbank leaders not to impose a moratorium, proposing a "modular, medium-sized" data center with Spartan Data Centers. This project claims zero impact by using on-site well water for cooling with recycling, existing hydropower from Hetch Hetchy, and construction within existing buildings, potentially generating $10 million in annual tax revenue. Meanwhile, the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) is attempting to allay customer fears about increased utility costs, though some board members, like Janice Keating, criticize the use of vague language like "large-load users" to refer to data centers and advocate for higher pricing tiers and a ban on non-disclosure agreements for such projects. NorthPoint Development has also been quietly lobbying Modesto councilmembers for a data center at a former industrial site.
The broader sentiment in Stanislaus County reflects a national trend where communities, particularly rural and lower-income areas, are grappling with the perceived negatives versus the potential economic benefits of data center development. Officials in Turlock and Stanislaus County have stated they have not received any official applications or engaged in negotiations for data centers, despite rumors. The article suggests public pressure is influencing elected leaders, with some expressing opposition or willingness to implement moratoriums.