Data centers scrutiny

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to consider a motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis to scrutinize the rapidly increasing number of data centers in the region. The motion addresses public criticism regarding the potential health and environmental impacts, high energy consumption, and significant water use associated with these facilities. There are currently over 70 established data centers in the county, with projections for further expansion driven by the growth of artificial intelligence. Solis's motion advocates for local regulatory oversight to safeguard community and environmental health, noting that expanding data centers have an increasing environmental footprint and often lack community engagement. It mandates various county departments, including public health, public works, and fire, to provide findings on these impacts, review existing regulations in other jurisdictions, and initiate a community education campaign. The proposal also includes a call for a moratorium on data center development in unincorporated areas of L.A. County, "as applicable." Khara Boender, director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, voiced strong concerns about the moratorium, stating it sends a negative signal to developers. The Natural Resources Defense Council supports greater regulation, citing a report that highlights potential pollutants from data centers affecting nearby residents and the need for state and local policymakers to guide this expansion in the absence of federal guidelines. The motion further seeks county support for state legislation that would direct the Public Utilities Commission to establish special rate structures for large energy users and require them to fund upfront transmission or distribution upgrades. The Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss these measures during its regular meeting on Tuesday.