Monterey Park becomes first US city to ban data centers by popular vote, faces questions on future development
Monterey Park, California became the first U.S. city to ban data centers by popular vote, reflecting growing backlash against the power- and water-intensive facilities that support the internet and AI industry. The ban passed overwhelmingly in the June election, driven by resident concerns over environmental impact, resource consumption, and quality of life. Now the city faces the challenge of determining what kind of development or land use should replace the proposed data center project, as the community grapples with balancing economic development against environmental and community concerns.
Key quotes
The message from voters was clear: The power- and water-hungry facilities that power the internet and the booming AI industry were not welcome in their city.
Now, the San Gabriel Valley suburb is facing a more difficult question: what comes next?
Signs of protest against a proposed data center pepper front yards in a nearby residential neighborhood in Monterey Park, Calif.
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