Monterey Park, California, has become the first city in the United States to ban data centers citywide after voters approved the measure on Tuesday. The ban targets the energy-intensive facilities that power cloud computing and artificial intelligence, setting a precedent for local resistance to the tech industry's growing electricity demands.
What the ban covers
The ordinance prohibits construction or expansion of data centers in all zoning districts within Monterey Park, a city of about 60,000 residents east of Los Angeles. Supporters argued the facilities consume massive amounts of power and water, straining local resources without creating many jobs. Opponents warned the move could scare off investment and slow technological growth, but voters sided with the ban's backers.
Energy use from data centers is projected to surge as more companies deploy AI models and cloud services. Utility regulators across the country are grappling with how to balance tech demand with climate goals. Monterey Park's vote is being watched by other cities facing similar proposals, especially in drought-prone areas where water used for cooling is a concern. The ban could influence urban policies from California to Virginia, where data center clusters have drawn local pushback.
What happens next
The city council must now implement the ban through zoning code changes. Legal challenges are expected from industry groups, but the measure's approval gives it a strong mandate. Similar ballot initiatives are already being discussed in neighboring communities, though no other city has yet followed Monterey Park's lead. For now, the ban stands as a test case of whether local voters can halt the spread of energy-hungry infrastructure through direct democracy.
