Butte County has no plans for AI data centers — at least not yet
Butte County currently has no data center proposals, and its zoning regulations do not permit them in unincorporated areas. Despite this, a recent Water Commission meeting in Oroville drew hundreds of residents, mostly in opposition, expressing concerns about potential environmental impacts, especially regarding water and electricity usage, should a data center ever be proposed. County officials clarified the process for a developer to request a zoning ordinance change, emphasizing public transparency.
Butte County officials have confirmed there are currently no plans or proposals for data centers within the county, and existing zoning regulations prohibit them in unincorporated areas. However, the possibility of future development prompted a packed Water Commission meeting in Oroville, attended by over 150 residents, with nearly 600 electronic comments submitted, predominantly in opposition.
Paula Daneluk, director of development services, explained the process required for a developer to request a change to the county's zoning ordinance to allow data centers. She assured that any such amendment would involve a public and transparent approval process by the Butte County Board of Supervisors, but reiterated that no application or even informal inquiry has been made to date.
Commissioner Aimee Raymond initiated the discussion, expressing a desire for the county to address the issue proactively before any proposals emerge. Residents voiced significant concerns over the environmental impacts of data centers, particularly their high demand for water and electricity. Blake Nicole Ellis highlighted fears of power grid stress, potential rolling blackouts, and wells running dry for local farmers, while Richard Pickard from Oroville stressed concerns about the historical exploitation of the area's natural resources and environmental hazards. This local discussion occurs amidst broader pushback across California regarding data centers' environmental footprint, citing a similar situation in Siskiyou County where developer inquiries sparked community alarm.