Amid rising fear over data centers, an S.F. supervisor quietly plans a moratorium

San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton is set to propose a 45-day moratorium on new data center expansions in the city, specifically targeting the southeast District 10. This initiative, to be introduced to the Board of Supervisors, aims to allow officials to investigate the environmental impacts of data centers, including concerns over electricity consumption, water depletion, heat, noise pollution, and potential strain on local power grids. If approved by the Board and subsequently deemed necessary by the San Francisco Planning Commission, the moratorium could be extended for nearly two years.

District 10 has seen a surge in data center development, with facilities like NOVVA and Digital Realty operating in the area. NOVVA, which recently launched its first phase, plans to expand its power capacity, a move that could be affected by the proposed moratorium. Another company, Global Stack, has proposed a smaller facility in nearby Daly City. Residents, particularly in the historically disadvantaged Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, have voiced concerns about increased pollution and environmental burdens associated with these developments.

Walton's proposal aligns with growing bipartisan criticism of data centers' environmental footprint, echoing a national moratorium introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Both Walton and his potential successor, Theo Ellington, have expressed support for pausing data center development until adequate environmental protections are in place, despite some tech industry opposition.