In first, California city overwhelmingly votes to permanently ban datacenters Monterey Park, California, has become the first US city where residents voted on a permanent ban of datacenters via a ballot initiative, with early results showing strong support. The measure aims to protect air quality, water resources, public health, and prevent impacts on electricity and water rates, addressing concerns raised by residents about environmental effects and utility costs. This vote follows a temporary moratorium passed by the city council and aims to provide a more permanent and legally defensible prohibition against future datacenter development.

• Monterey Park, California, held the first US ballot initiative vote on a permanent ban of datacenters.
• Early results show over 86% of votes in favor of the ban.
• Residents expressed concerns about environmental effects, utility prices, and proximity to homes.
• The city council had previously passed an indefinite moratorium on datacenters.
• The ballot measure aims to make the ban more permanent and legally robust.
• Other municipalities are also exploring ballot measures or referendums to regulate datacenters.
• A national poll indicates that seven in 10 Americans oppose the construction of AI datacenters in their local areas.
• The Data Center Coalition opposes the ban, citing potential negative impacts on jobs and investment.