Riverbank could join cities pausing data centers. One already has been proposed
The Riverbank City Council is set to consider a 45-day moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers, prompted by a proposal from Aemetis Inc. for a 60-megawatt facility. This temporary pause aims to allow city staff to research the potential impacts of data centers, including concerns about water and electricity consumption, noise, and job creation. Other California municipalities are also enacting or exploring similar moratoriums.
The Riverbank City Council is scheduled to vote on a 45-day moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers, following a proposal by Aemetis Inc. to develop a 60-megawatt facility at the former Army ammunition plant on Claus Road. The Cupertino-based company, which already holds approval for a renewable fuel project at the site, has openly discussed its data center plans.
City Manager Marisela Garcia recommended the temporary moratorium, stating it would provide city staff with time to study potential impacts of data centers, such as high water and electricity usage, noise, and the limited number of long-term jobs generated post-construction. State law dictates the ordinance would take immediate effect if supported by at least four of the five council members; otherwise, it would be delayed by 30 days.
This potential action by Riverbank follows similar moves by other California local governments. Patterson recently extended its data center moratorium until July 2027, and the boards of supervisors in San Joaquin and Calaveras counties are exploring comparable ordinances. The Modesto City Council also recently heard calls for a data center moratorium or ban, drawing approximately 200 attendees to a meeting on August 11, though no formal vote has been scheduled.