SF approves 45-day data center moratorium

San Francisco on Tuesday approved a 45 day moratorium on new data center construction; Oakland is considering a similar ban. The City of Santa Clara, which already has 56 data centers, is launching a review of its regulations. SANTA CLARA, Calif. - As artificial intelligence and digital services rapidly expand, several California local governments are stepping back to evaluate the footprint of data center development in their communities. Cities across the Bay Area and Southern California are considering pauses or reviewing long-standing policies to address rising concerns over energy demand, water usage, and environmental impacts. High demand prompts policy evaluation The backstory: The City of Santa Clara stands as one of California's primary data center hubs. Despite its population of roughly 133,000 residents, Santa Clara currently hosts 56 data centers, with two additional projects in development.

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