As San José Tries to Regulate Data Centers, Residents Want to Ban Them
San José officials are proposing new standards for data center development, including recycled or low-water cooling, carbon-neutral electricity, generator limits, and environmental monitoring. Residents and environmental advocates are opposing the approach and calling for a moratorium on new data center approvals, but city staff say the City Council has not directed them to pursue one.
San José officials presented proposed standards for future data centers at a community meeting, including recycled-water or low-water cooling systems, carbon-neutral electricity, limits on backup-generator testing, usage reporting, noise and sewer monitoring, and affordable-housing fees. The standards are intended to address concerns about water consumption, emissions, noise and grid impacts as the city continues accepting public input.
Residents and environmental advocates rallied outside City Hall and urged the city to halt new data center approvals, arguing the proposed rules do not adequately address pollution, heat, noise, cumulative impacts and potential groundwater risks. Mayor Matt Mahan has supported regulating the industry rather than banning it, while Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda said the City Council has not instructed staff to develop a moratorium. San José has instead continued efforts to attract developers, including a power-reliability agreement with PG&E and dedicated support for data center projects.