Can a bill on Capitol Hill tackle data center concerns in San Diego?
Rep. Scott Peters is promoting a federal energy and permitting bill that would require data center developers to pay for their electricity and grid connections, potentially addressing concerns about a proposed facility at the NAVWAR campus in San Diego. The project is being explored by Manchester Financial Group and has faced opposition over power costs, utility strain and other impacts. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has directed city staff to advance a temporary moratorium on new data center development, with a City Council vote pending.
Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, is backing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, a federal energy transmission and permitting bill scheduled for a potential Senate procedural vote after the November midterm elections. Peters said provisions requiring data center developers to pay for electricity and grid interconnection costs could prevent a potential facility at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command campus from shifting expenses to residential ratepayers.
Manchester Financial Group is examining a data center as one option for developing about 60 acres at the federally controlled NAVWAR property near Pacific Highway. The proposal has drawn opposition from San Diego politicians, environmentalists and other groups concerned about electricity demand and utility bills. Mayor Todd Gloria has directed city staff to advance a temporary moratorium on new data centers within city limits, while a proposed stakeholder working group would study water, electricity, housing and neighborhood impacts. The federal bill has bipartisan support but also faces criticism from conservation groups over its potential effects on environmental protections.