Whittier City Council Approves 45-Day Moratorium on Data Centers
The Whittier City Council unanimously approved a 45-day emergency moratorium on data centers, citing concerns about electricity and water demand, backup generators, infrastructure capacity, noise and environmental impacts. The moratorium took effect immediately and could be extended for up to two years while the city studies possible permanent code changes.
The Whittier City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance 3174 at its Oct. 27 meeting, placing an immediate 45-day freeze on the approval, permitting or establishment of data centers. Community Development Director Ben Pongetti said the temporary measure responds to residents’ concerns about the impacts of the facilities.
Councilmember Vicky Santana cited data centers’ electricity and water demands, backup-generation infrastructure, capacity issues and sound pollution. The council may extend the moratorium in December for an additional 10 months and 15 days, with further extensions potentially lasting up to two years while Whittier considers whether to make the restrictions permanent.