Data-center moratorium, sanctuary-city rules pass in El Monte

The El Monte City Council unanimously enacted a 45-day moratorium on new data center land-use applications. This decision follows significant public concern regarding the potential impacts of data centers, particularly their high electricity and water consumption, noise pollution, and air quality effects. Mayor Pro Tem Viviana Longoria emphasized the city's proactive stance in protecting residents. The moratorium will prohibit the processing, approval, and acceptance of new data center applications, as data centers are currently not explicitly mentioned or allowed within the city's municipal code. The council, including members Cindy Galvan, Martin Herrera, and Dr. Julie Ruedas, is now directing city staff to conduct studies on comprehensive zoning and regulatory measures. The 45-day moratorium can be extended for an additional 10 months and 11 days through another council hearing, with a further possibility of a one-year extension. Mayor Jessica Ancona, who previously called for a moratorium via social media, expressed her intent to pursue a full ban on data centers in El Monte and is exploring placing a measure on the November ballot to ensure community will. In addition to the data center moratorium, the council also passed an urgency ordinance embracing 'sanctuary city' status, restricting the use of city-owned property and equipment from assisting federal immigration agents. Both measures were high-profile items that had been tabled at a previous meeting due to a verbal altercation.