San Jose’s proposed data center rules draw criticism over environmental protections

SAN JOSE IS CREATING development standards for future data center projects, but residents and advocates said they don’t go far enough to protect their health and the environment.

City officials presented the draft standards for the first time Thursday in front of a packed audience at City Hall. Dozens of residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours. Cheers erupted from the audience as speakers called for a temporary moratorium on data centers until the standards are in place. The City Council is expected to finalize the standards in December.