Monterey Park, California, Bans New Data Centers Amid Growing National Opposition
Monterey Park, California, has passed a ban on new data center development, following a trend seen in other US cities and counties. This growing backlash is primarily driven by concerns over the significant water and electricity consumption of data centers, which communities fear will strain local resources and increase costs. Public opposition to these projects has reportedly increased sharply.
Monterey Park, California, has enacted a ban on new data center development, with 86 percent of constituents voting in favor. This decision positions Monterey Park among other municipalities, including Palmetto, Fayetteville, and Atlanta in Georgia, that have approved similar bans this year.
The increasing number of local bans and moratoriums across the U.S. reflects a growing national backlash against data center infrastructure. Municipalities in New Jersey, such as Union Township, Monroe Township, Phillipsburg, Millville, Harrison, and Pemberton, are reportedly considering introducing their own bans. Over 60 active data center moratoriums currently exist in the U.S., with recent approvals including a one-year moratorium in Denver, a moratorium until year-end in Oklahoma City, and a construction pause in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Illinois cities have also approved six-month moratoriums, and Huron County, Michigan, passed a three-year moratorium in May.
The primary drivers of this opposition are concerns over the substantial water and electricity demands of data centers, which communities fear will strain vital resources and increase local costs. A recent survey by Heatmap Pro, conducted by Embold Research, indicates that 71 percent of Americans would resist nearby data center projects, a significant increase from just nine months prior when opinions were evenly split. The survey highlights the rapid hardening of public sentiment against these developments. Authorities like the U.S. Energy Information Administration have noted significant jumps in residential electricity prices in states like Utah and Illinois, further fueling public concern.