As AI Ascends, Humboldt Seeks Control of Data Centers
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center permit applications. The moratorium applies to facilities above a 15-megawatt power threshold, while exempting centers powered entirely by renewable energy or using closed-loop water systems.
Humboldt County supervisors approved a 45-day freeze on data center permit applications after debating the potential effects of large facilities on electricity demand, utility rates and local communities. The action was prompted in part by concerns about the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers and uncertainty about their long-term impacts.
Supervisors set the moratorium threshold at 15 megawatts after considering a 25-megawatt limit. Facilities using 100 percent renewable energy or closed-loop water systems are exempted. Supervisor Michelle Bushnell supported exemptions for smaller facilities, while Supervisor Rex Bohn was the only dissenting vote; other supervisors, including Steve Madrone, Mike Wilson and Natalie Arroyo, expressed support for the pause or concerns about data center growth.