San Jose debates data center moratorium while new review standards take shape

AS SAN JOSE HAMMERS OUT local review standards for data center projects, some residents are calling for the city to follow the lead of other jurisdictions and enact an immediate moratorium on new developments.

The proposed standards are expected to address widespread concerns that a glut of new projects working their way through the city’s development pipeline could overwhelm local water and power infrastructure and cause other environmental harms. Staff are in the process of drawing feedback from residents as they draft the standards, which are expected to also include requirements related to air quality, noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and public outreach. The package is expected to go before the City Council in December.