Los Angeles County Moves to Ban Large AI Data Centers in Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County has implemented an immediate prohibition on large-scale AI data centers in its unincorporated areas, responding to public health and environmental concerns raised by residents. This action, spearheaded by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, comes as county officials prepare a permanent zoning amendment to formalize the ban. The county is concerned about the increased demand for electricity, water, and land required by such facilities.
Los Angeles County has taken immediate action to prohibit large-scale artificial intelligence data centers in its unincorporated communities, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors and concerns raised by residents.
First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis announced on September 17 that county planning officials are moving to prepare a permanent zoning change to ban such facilities. In the interim, Amy J. Bodek, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, exercised her authority to immediately implement the prohibition.
Solis stated that her April motion to address the significant public health and environmental impacts of data centers passed unanimously, prompted by concerns from San Gabriel Valley residents. The move aims to prevent the adverse effects of technological development on surrounding communities, citing the increased demand for electricity, water, and land by large data centers.