Monterey Park Becomes a Role Model for Banning Data Centers
Monterey Park, California, has become a national model for communities seeking to ban data centers after its residents successfully pushed for a city-wide ban. This success has inspired other communities to enact similar bans and moratoriums, leading to a growing network of opposition groups. Organizers are now sharing their strategies and tools to help other cities prevent data center development.
Monterey Park, California, has emerged as a national example for communities seeking to ban data centers, following a successful resident-led campaign that resulted in a city-wide prohibition in April. Organizers Steven Kung and Hrag Balian, representing "No Data Center Monterey Park," spearheaded the effort, making their city the first in the U.S. to enact such a ban. Their victory has since garnered attention from nearly a dozen other communities, from the San Gabriel Valley to Ohio, all eager to learn from Monterey Park's experience.
The Monterey Park activists are now developing a comprehensive playbook and toolkit to share their strategies, including advice to pursue city ordinances rather than more complex ballot measures. This movement has gained significant traction, with Montebello, Baldwin Park, and El Monte passing moratoria, and Alhambra enacting zoning changes that effectively ban data centers. Additionally, Los Angeles County has initiated a study into the health, environmental, and grid impacts of data centers.
The growing network extends beyond California, with Missoula Neighbors United in Montana, led by Alessandro Mitchell, successfully preventing a data center project after its site owner withdrew due to public feedback. Missoula County subsequently imposed a moratorium to evaluate energy use and environmental impacts. In Coachella, despite the council passing a ban ordinance, the local group Viva La Causa plans to push for a citywide vote, citing distrust in the council. This widespread mobilization is largely fueled by concerns over the increasing demand for artificial intelligence and its associated infrastructure.