Tuolumne Supervisors Find Compromise On Addressing Data Centers

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors recently debated a proposed 45-day moratorium on data center developments, ultimately rejecting the measure. District Two Supervisor Ryan Campbell, supported by Supervisor Jaron Brandon, introduced the moratorium, citing concerns over the significant electricity and water demands of large AI data centers. They emphasized that it was not a ban but a temporary pause to allow the county to address these issues, noting a similar moratorium approved in neighboring Calaveras County.

However, a majority of supervisors, including Mike Holland and Board Chair Steve Griefer, opposed the moratorium. Holland argued it was unnecessary and would send a negative message, deterring potential businesses and revenue. Griefer suggested that specific areas, like the Harvard Mine, could potentially benefit from data center development due to its abundant water supply, solving existing issues for the county-owned site.

Supervisors Holland and Anaiah Kirk also voiced concerns about the "creep" of temporary measures becoming permanent, based on past county government experiences. Seeing a lack of majority support for the moratorium, Supervisor Campbell pivoted to a countermeasure, proposing to direct the Community Development Department to develop specific ordinance codes and definitions for data centers. This alternative proposal was seconded by Supervisor Steve Griefer and was unanimously approved by a 5-0 vote.