In first, California city overwhelmingly votes to permanently ban datacenters
Summary
Monterey Park, California, voted to permanently ban datacenters in their city through a ballot initiative, with early results showing strong support for the ban. This makes Monterey Park the first U.S. city to ban datacenters by a public vote, aiming to protect local health and resources.Key Facts
- Monterey Park is the first U.S. city to vote on a permanent datacenter ban through a ballot measure.
- Early election results showed about 86% of voters favored the ban.
- The ban aims to protect air quality, drinking water, public health, and prevent rises in electricity and water rates.
- The city council had already approved a temporary moratorium on datacenters before the vote.
- Concerns from residents include environmental harm and increased utility costs near datacenters.
- The proposed datacenter project by HMC StratCap, covering nearly 250,000 square feet, was withdrawn after local opposition.
- Similar ballot measures are planned or passed in other U.S. communities, requiring voter approval for datacenter projects or tax incentives.
- A national poll shows about 70% of Americans oppose datacenters being built in their local areas.
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