East Bay cities are taking action on new AI data centers, with Hayward becoming the latest to approve a temporary moratorium on their development.
The Hayward City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on the development of new AI data centers Tuesday night.
The moratoriums come amid concerns that the large computing facilities are too noisy and strain the electrical grid and water systems.
The city says the next month and a half will serve as a timeout for staff to monitor and analyze the impacts of the four AI data centers already in operation.
Staff will also assess whether it is wise to approve two new 99-megawatt data centers proposed for the area of Arden Road and Corporate Avenue.
The moratorium could be extended for two years.
In Richmond Tuesday night, the City Council voted to extend its current moratorium for more than 22 months.
During public comment, Richmond resident Toronto Abbott expressed concerns about data centers.
“We’re on the cusp of a really terrifying era,” Abbott said. “And it’s not just that the change is different and new.”
Abbott said he believes the wealth and power coming from data centers will not benefit residents and expressed concerns about the impact on jobs.
On Monday, the Pittsburg City Council directed staff to draft a 45-day moratorium on AI data centers in the city.
The Pittsburg City Council will consider that moratorium next Monday.
