From Sfgate · · 1m 10s
SF Passes Data Center Moratorium
San Francisco's supervisors approve 45-day pause on new AI data centers to address water and energy concerns.
In brief
San Francisco's supervisors approve 45-day pause on new AI data centers to address water and energy concerns. San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passed a temporary moratorium on new data centers to address water and energy use, noise complaints, and community impacts. Originally reported by Sfgate.
SF Board Passes Moratorium
San Francisco became the first Bay Area county to enact a temporary moratorium on new data centers.
45-Day Moratorium Takes Effect
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a 45-day urgency ordinance that took effect immediately.
AI Data Centers Need More Power
Newer data centers house computing hardware for AI tools and require more energy and water to cool servers.
Walton Proposes Moratorium
District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton proposed the moratorium to address water contamination and noise complaints.
Walton on Community Impact
Walton said data centers near residential areas pollute water and create noise, with no community input in recent approvals.
Moratorium Addresses Definition
The ordinance uses a federal definition to clarify data centers and update outdated planning rules.
The key point
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passed a temporary moratorium on new data centers to address water and energy use, noise complaints, and community impacts.
