San Francisco Supervisors Propose 45-Day Moratorium on New Data Centers Amid AI Growth Concerns
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is proposing a 45-day moratorium on new data center approvals. This urgent ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Shamann Walton and co-sponsored by Connie Chan, Jackie Fielder, and Chyanne Chen, aims to pause city approvals while the Board and the Planning Department study the impacts of data centers and develop longer-term regulations. The supervisors cite concerns about water use, energy demand, pollution, and noise, particularly in areas like Bayview and South of Market, which already face environmental challenges. The current regulatory framework for data centers in San Francisco dates back to 2001, under the designation of 'internet service exchange,' a period before the significant rise of generative artificial intelligence. This proposal aligns with actions taken by other cities and states, such as Gilroy in Santa Clara County, which also approved a 45-day moratorium on new data center applications, reflecting a broader concern over the industry's increasing dema...
