In a first for the country, voters in Southern California city of Monterey Park ban data centers
Residents of Monterey Park, California, voted overwhelmingly to permanently ban data centers, becoming the first city in the nation to do so by public vote. This decision follows an earlier city council ordinance banning data centers, prompted by strong public opposition to a proposed facility over concerns about electricity usage, noise, and pollution.
Residents of Monterey Park, California, have voted overwhelmingly to enact a permanent ban on data centers, making it the first city in the U.S. to do so via a public ballot measure. Measure NDC, the city ban, passed with 86% of votes in favor, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
This vote solidifies a previous ban by ordinance from the Monterey Park City Council, which was influenced by significant public outcry against a proposed 247,000-square-foot data center. Residents expressed concerns about the facility's proximity to homes, its projected electricity consumption (three times that of the entire city), and potential noise and air pollution, along with increased electricity rates. The developer of that facility, HMC StratCap, subsequently withdrew its plans.
Amy Wong, co-founder of San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action, highlighted that the public vote ensures long-lasting protections that cannot be overturned by future city councils. While other cities have enacted temporary moratoriums, Monterey Park's ban is considered more permanent. The Data Center Coalition, an industry trade group, expressed disappointment, stating the ban sends a negative signal for economic development and job creation. The San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action group is now extending its efforts to oppose data center proposals in nearby cities like City of Industry, Santa Fe Springs, Vernon, and City of Commerce.