Humboldt County supervisors OK data center moratorium, oppose Prop. 45
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day moratorium on data center permitting in unincorporated areas while the county develops permanent regulations. The moratorium includes an exception for self-sustaining, closed-loop facilities using up to 15 megawatts, which may proceed through the normal conditional-use permitting process.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day interim moratorium on data center permitting, with the possibility of extending it for up to 11 months while permanent permitting standards are developed. The measure applies to unincorporated areas and includes a carve-out for proposed closed-loop facilities that generate their own power and use up to 15 megawatts.
Supervisors debated whether the moratorium was necessary because existing conditional-use permitting procedures could address future projects. The board ultimately approved the amended ordinance, while also voting to establish the Redwood Coast Energy Authority as the county’s Regional Climate Committee. Supervisors separately voted 3-2 to oppose Proposition 45, a statewide ballot measure that local opponents said could weaken environmental protections under CEQA.