San Diego City Council aims to better regulate data centers
San Diego residents spoke out against the proposed 400-megawatt NAVWAR data center project near the airport, citing concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, pollution and neighborhood impacts. The city cannot stop the federally controlled project but is developing regulations for future data centers, while Rep. Scott Peters is pursuing federal legislation related to grid connection and electricity costs.
San Diego residents delivered extensive public opposition to the proposed NAVWAR data center project, a planned 400-megawatt facility on a 70-acre Navy property near the airport. Critics said the project could consume as much electricity as 300,000 homes and worsen the city’s already high electricity rates, heat-wave blackouts and environmental pressures. Speakers also raised concerns about water consumption, pollution, affordability and the impact of hyperscale data centers on neighborhoods.
The city reportedly lacks authority to stop the federally controlled project, which is undergoing an environmental review by the Navy. San Diego officials have 180 days to research potential impacts, consult experts and develop recommendations for the City Council on long-term data center rules. Representative Scott Peters said he has proposed federal legislation that would require large technology companies to pay for the electricity they use and the costs of connecting to the existing grid.