Sacramento mayor asks staff to prepare for possible data center
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty has directed city staff to prepare a policy addressing the potential impacts of a large data center, even though no application has been submitted. This follows reports that Link Logistics is in discussions with SMUD about a possible data center project in southeastern Sacramento. SMUD is also developing a policy for large-load customers like data centers.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty has instructed city staff to develop a policy addressing the potential impacts of a large data center, despite the absence of any formal application.
This directive emerged from a city council meeting on Tuesday, where Mayor McCarty asked the city manager and staff to explore policies concerning a data center's effects on energy, water, infrastructure, and local neighborhoods.
The mayor's request follows a report by KBIE, based on public records, indicating that Link Logistics is considering an industrial site in southeastern Sacramento for a data center. The report states that Link Logistics has been in discussions with SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) about the project since February.
SMUD has declined to provide specific project details, citing customer privacy. However, the utility confirmed it is developing a 'large load policy' for customers consuming 50 megawatts or more, ensuring that infrastructure costs are assigned to these customers to prevent cost shifts to existing users. A city spokesperson reiterated to ABC10 that no data center application from Link Logistics or any other entity has been received. Concurrently, state lawmakers have passed bills addressing data center water and energy use, and infrastructure costs, which are now awaiting the governor's signature.