Patterson extends data center moratorium through July 2027
The Patterson City Council unanimously voted to extend a temporary moratorium on new data center projects until July 2027. This extension provides the city with nearly another year to develop comprehensive regulations addressing potential impacts on water, power, noise, and air quality. Residents have expressed concerns, particularly regarding water usage, as the city faces groundwater reduction requirements.
The Patterson City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday night to extend a temporary moratorium on new data center projects through July 2027. This decision grants the city nearly an additional year to develop comprehensive regulations for these facilities, addressing their potential impacts on the community.
Initially, city leaders approved a 45-day moratorium to allow officials more time to study how large data centers could affect local water, power, noise, and air quality. Data centers are currently permitted in industrial areas under the city's existing rules, and the moratorium aims to prevent new applications from advancing before updated regulations are established.
Patterson is already facing mandates to reduce groundwater pumping in the coming years, making water usage a primary concern for residents. Longtime resident and business owner Linda Mendoza emphasized the need for more information before allowing further data center development, questioning the projects' water sources and potential impact on existing water issues. Mendoza also called for greater transparency and public outreach regarding the data centers' effects on the city. With the council's unanimous vote, new data center applications will remain on hold as the city continues its regulatory work.