San Francisco residents oppose proposed waterfront data center
A proposed data center on the San Francisco waterfront is facing significant local opposition from residents and city officials. This local resistance is framed as part of a broader "revolt against AI" and raises questions about its impact on the community. The article also discusses San Francisco's ongoing efforts to establish a public power system.
A growing public backlash against artificial intelligence is materializing in local opposition to data center developments across the country, with a notable instance in San Francisco. Residents are actively pushing back against a proposed data center on the city's waterfront, particularly within the Dogpatch neighborhood, with Supervisor Connie Chan publicly stating her opposition. Mayor Daniel Lurie has been questioned about his stance on the project, but has not yet provided a response. This local resistance is highlighted as part of a broader concern over AI's societal implications, including potential impacts on housing, employment, and political manipulation.
Separately, the article touches upon San Francisco's long-standing endeavor to create a public power system, a mandate stemming from the Raker Act over a century ago. The Public Utilities Commission, led by Dennis Herrera, supports this initiative, which promises substantial revenue for the city and a resolution to issues with PG&E's service. The Planning Commission has approved an environmental impact report for the public power system, a decision that PG&E has appealed. This appeal is viewed as a strategic, performative action by PG&E, setting the stage for a critical Board of Supervisors meeting that will test Mayor Lurie's alignment on the issue of public power versus PG&E's interests.