California city permanently bans data centers

Voters in Monterey Park, California approved a permanent ban on data centers "as a way to protect air quality, drinking water resources, and public health, and to avoid potential impacts to electricity and water rates from the large-scale computing facilities." The small municipality is located in the San Gabriel Valley, just east of Los Angeles. 

According to a brief from the Water Education Foundation, "The measure amends the city’s general plan and land use framework to add a citywide ban on data centers, according to city officials."

According to a USA Today article, "The ballot language states that the prohibition will remain in effect unless voters decide to reverse it, giving residents continuing authority over whether such facilities can operate in the city." It is the first city to enact such a ban through a ballot measure. 

The measure was prompted in part by growing local opposition to a data center project proposed for a vacant office complex in the city. The city council passed a 45-day moratorium in January, followed by a 10-month extension in March.