Update: Riverbank pauses data centers. Company defends plan for old ammo plant

The Riverbank City Council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers this past Tuesday, following concerns about their environmental impact. This decision comes despite a $1 billion investment proposal from Aemetis Inc., which plans to build a data center as part of the redevelopment of the former Army ammunition plant on Claus Road. The moratorium allows Riverbank to gather information on potential impacts and explore regulatory measures, with the possibility of extending the pause for up to two years under state law.

Andy Foster, president of advanced fuels at Aemetis, argued against the moratorium, asserting that the company's project would not strain local resources. He stated that Aemetis is arranging for city groundwater and electricity from a nearby transmission line connected to San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy system. Foster also claimed the data center's noise would be contained by the building and highlighted the project's potential to generate approximately $10 million annually in property taxes for local government and schools. Councilmember Cindy Fosi supported the moratorium as an opportunity to consider various perspectives and protect the city.

This action by Riverbank is part of a broader trend in the region, as other local governments consider similar measures. Earlier in August, about 200 people attended a Modesto City Council meeting to advocate for a data center moratorium or ban. Additionally, the Patterson City Council has extended its own 45-day moratorium to a full year, now set to end in July 2027, while the boards of supervisors in San Joaquin and Calaveras counties have also favored 45-day pauses.