Monterey Park, a city in the San Gabriel Valley, has made history by becoming the first in the nation to ban data centers through a public vote. On election day, an overwhelming 86% of voters supported Measure NDC, solidifying a citywide ban on these facilities. This decision follows a previous ordinance by the City Council, which was prompted by public outcry against a proposed 247,000-square-foot data center that was to be located less than 500 feet from the nearest home.
The proposed data center, which was withdrawn by developer HMC StratCap, would have consumed three times the electricity of the entire city, raising concerns about noise, air pollution, and increased electricity rates. Residents’ concerns were echoed by Amy Wong, co-founder of the San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action, who stated that the vote ensures protections for current and future generations, preventing future city councils from overturning the ban.
Economic and Environmental Concerns
The Data Center Coalition, an industry trade group, expressed disappointment, arguing that the ban sends a message that the area is closed to business, potentially depriving residents of job opportunities and economic investment. Despite these concerns, the measure faced no formal opposition, as the developer opted not to engage in the ballot fight.
Monterey Park’s decision is part of a broader trend of opposition to data centers across California, where high electricity rates and regulatory hurdles have limited new proposals. Other cities in the San Gabriel Valley, such as Montebello, El Monte, and Baldwin Park, have enacted temporary moratoriums, while Alhambra has banned data centers through zoning updates.
Regional Impact and Future Actions
SGV Progressive Action and other local groups are now focusing efforts on preventing data center developments in nearby industrial areas like the City of Industry and Vernon. These areas, while primarily industrial with few permanent residents, are surrounded by communities that could be affected by potential pollution and utility cost increases.
Wong emphasized the importance of community action, stating that the vote is a testament to the power of local residents to protect their region from unwanted industrial developments. As data centers continue to proliferate in states like Virginia, Texas, and Arizona, California’s resistance highlights the state’s unique environmental and economic challenges.
Original reporting: Benton Institute For Broadband and Society — read the source article.
