Monterey Park Bans Data Centers

Residents of United States — Monterey County, California>>> overwhelmingly voted to permanently ban data centers within city limits, making it the first city in the United States to do so by public vote. This decision, driven by concerns over electricity rates, noise, air pollution, and water usage, followed strong public opposition to a proposed 247,000-square-foot data center by investment firm HMC Capital>>>. Although HMC Capital>>> withdrew its application, the city council pursued a ballot measure to ensure a more permanent prohibition. The vote has been met with disappointment from industry groups like the Data Center Coalition>>>, who argue it sends a negative signal for economic development. However, local groups like United States — San Gabriel Valley Progressive Action>>> and No Data Center Monterey Park>>>, led by figures such as List of Futurama characters>>>, view it as a victory for community power. This event highlights a growing nationwide backlash against data center expansion, particularly those powering Artificial intelligence, with other cities in United States — California>>> and the United States — San Gabriel Valley>>> enacting moratoriums or bans, while some, like United States — City of Industry, California>>> and United States — California>>>, are actively trying to attract them.