LA County issues temporary ban on mega data centers, with ordinance in the works

Los Angeles County has implemented a temporary moratorium on large-scale AI hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas, effective September 17. Amy Bodek, Director of Regional Planning, signed the memo initiating the temporary ban while an ordinance for a permanent prohibition is drafted and reviewed.

First District Supervisor and Board Chair Hilda Solis is leading the effort to establish the permanent ordinance, with an initial motion scheduled for a virtual meeting on September 23 and a full Board of Supervisors hearing expected on October 6. Solis emphasized her commitment to balancing technological growth with public health, environmental protection, and residents' quality of life. The move comes after significant public outcry across the San Gabriel Valley and other areas within the county regarding the substantial water and electricity demands of these facilities, potential utility rate hikes, noise pollution, and environmental impact.

County officials, including Barbara Ferrer of the Department of Public Health and Mark Pestrella of Public Works, have presented findings on the potential strain on resources. Ferrer highlighted the constant humming noise from hyperscale data centers as a potential health concern, while Pestrella noted that a single facility could consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily, necessitating costly imported water. Solis also cited Pacific Gas & Electric findings that data center demand could equate to the electricity usage of 8 million homes, potentially forcing the county to rely on