SF approves data center moratorium, other Bay Area cities reviewing policies
San Francisco approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals, while Oakland is considering a similar pause. Santa Clara is conducting a year-long review of data center impacts and regulations, and Los Angeles County is considering a permanent ban on large hyperscale facilities.
San Francisco supervisors unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals, citing concerns about energy demand, water use, air quality, land use and community impacts. Supervisor Shamann Walton said the pause will give the city time to develop comprehensive regulations.
Oakland officials are considering a similar temporary moratorium, with protesters gathering before a City Council vote. Santa Clara, which has 56 data centers and two more under development, is reviewing environmental, water, power and quality-of-life impacts after its municipal utility stopped accepting new data center applications in 2023. In Los Angeles County, supervisors received a proposal to permanently prohibit large hyperscale data centers while allowing smaller facilities.