California cities pursue data center moratoriums and bans amid growing local opposition
California cities and counties are moving to restrict or pause data center development as local officials and residents argue that new statewide disclosure rules do not go far enough. Oakland and San Francisco approved moratoriums, while Los Angeles County postponed a proposed ban and other communities considered additional restrictions.
California has seen at least 26 proposed or adopted resolutions, moratoriums and bans targeting data center development since June. Oakland’s City Council unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on new approvals, San Francisco adopted a similar measure, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors postponed a vote on permanently banning hyperscale data centers on unincorporated land after receiving extensive public feedback.
Officials in Santa Clara are developing stricter data center rules addressing water use and air pollution, while Alhambra residents are scheduled to vote on a moratorium. The local actions follow Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of seven statewide laws focused largely on disclosure, environmental reviews and grid protection. Nicole Ghio, California director for Food & Water Watch, said grassroots opposition is prompting municipalities to pause development and reassess its impacts.