Humboldt County Supervisors consider data center and logging bans
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors is considering an interim urgency ordinance that would temporarily prohibit data center development in the county's unincorporated areas. The proposed moratorium requires a four-fifths vote and follows similar actions or proposals by municipalities in the county.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider a temporary moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas. The proposed ordinance would prohibit the acceptance or issuance of permits for facilities housing networked computers, servers and data storage systems, amid broader scrutiny of the resource demands associated with artificial intelligence and data centers.
The board will also consider a separate moratorium on removing old-growth redwood trees while county staff develop a preservation ordinance. Both interim urgency ordinances require approval by four-fifths of the supervisors. The meeting agenda also includes preparations for potential heavy flooding linked to a forecast Super El Niño, including a plan to identify sandbag needs and mobilize up to $25,000 for flood-control supplies.