Fight over AI data centers grows in LA County

A significant movement against hyper-scale AI data centers is gaining momentum across Los Angeles County, driven by concerns over water usage, power grid strain, noise, and air pollution. Monterey Park has emerged as a focal point, becoming the first city in California to ban these facilities through an ordinance. Residents, who successfully opposed a specific data center project that ultimately led its developer to withdraw the proposal, are now campaigning for a June ballot measure, Measure NDC (No Data Centers), to permanently enshrine this ban in the city charter. Yun Wang, a resident, emphasized the ongoing nature of the fight, stating, "the fight is not over." In response to broader community concerns from areas like City of Industry, Avocado Heights, and Bell, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors launched a 120-day study on the potential health and environmental impacts of data centers. Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced the motion, highlighting the nationwide trend and anticipated impact on the county. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the LA County Department of Public Health, noted common complaints such as noise from substations and air pollution from diesel backup generators. While industry leaders, like Liz Schwab from Google, point to the economic benefits, generating hundreds of millions in activity and supporting additional jobs, residents like Carrie and Wang stated that they would have considered moving if the data center project in Monterey Park had proceeded. The upcoming vote in Monterey Park is seen as a potential model for other communities facing similar development pressures.