Data center opponents call for a pause on development in San Diego
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order directing city staff to develop a temporary moratorium on new data center development, following opposition to a possible facility at the NAVWAR redevelopment site. The proposal will go before the City Council, while officials and community groups cite concerns about electricity, water demand, utility costs, housing and neighborhood impacts.
San Diego officials, labor groups and housing advocates rallied against a potential data center at the former Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus, where Manchester Financial Group is considering multiple redevelopment options. Company President Ted Eldredge said a possible 400-megawatt facility remains only one concept and would depend on market conditions and feasibility.
Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order directing city staff to advance a temporary moratorium on new data centers and establish a stakeholder working group to study electricity and water demand, utility bills, housing and neighborhood effects. The proposal is scheduled for City Council consideration, but Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera noted that the federal status of the NAVWAR property limits the city’s ability to block development. The article also references new state electricity regulations, Poway’s ban on certain AI data centers and Escondido’s moratorium extension.