Patterson’s 45-day moratorium chills any talks of data center construction
The City of Patterson has approved a 45-day moratorium on data center construction following community concerns about water usage, electricity, and noise pollution. Residents and officials emphasized the need to study the potential impacts of a data center before allowing development in the water-stressed region. Property owners interested in the development expressed worry about the stigma the moratorium could bring.
The City of Patterson in California has enacted a 45-day moratorium on new data center construction, responding to widespread community concerns regarding potential impacts on water resources and the local power grid. The interim emergency ordinance was approved by a 4-0 vote at a special meeting, initiated after rumors of a developer's interest in building a data center within city limits circulated.
Residents, including Kat Ritchie and Jerynne Scenario, voiced strong opposition, citing the area's existing water scarcity, ground subsidence due to aquifer depletion, and high levels of hexavalent chromium in drinking water. They also raised concerns about increased electricity costs and noise pollution. Advocacy groups like Valley Improvement Projects and Save Del Puerto Canyon supported the moratorium.
Joe Hollowell, an owner of property earmarked for the proposed data center, was the sole voice in favor of the development during public comment, arguing that data centers offer property value increases and job opportunities. Assistant City Attorney Doug White indicated the city plans to seek extensions for the moratorium, potentially up to two years, to thoroughly assess health and safety impacts and implement community protections. Patterson Mayor Michael Clauzel affirmed the council's commitment to prioritizing residents' concerns.