Cities Approve, Weigh Data Center Bans
Cities Approve, Weigh Data Center Bans
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Key Points
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Irwindale’s Ordinance No. 821 will take effect 30 days after its adoption. Unlike Monterey Park and Alhambra, which pursued voter-approved ballot measures as a stronger safeguard against future repeal, Irwindale’s mayor said the city has no plans for a ballot initiative; Alhambra’s measure is scheduled for the Nov. 3 election.
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Poway’s proposed ordinance would prohibit AI data centers as a land use anywhere within the city, with officials describing the measure as a permanent policy intended to give residents, businesses and property owners certainty about future development.
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Poway officials are weighing the proposed ban against the scale of the city’s existing business park, which encompasses about 700 acres, roughly 9.5 million square feet and approximately 18,000 workers across more than 500 businesses.
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The Poway debate has included a call from Sean Ellis of the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVAC to research different types of data centers before adopting a broader policy, indicating that some participants favor a more differentiated approach rather than treating all facilities alike.
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Edgewater’s measure is legally temporary despite being described by city leaders as a “permanent moratorium”: the ordinance contains a 12-month sunset clause, while voters may later be asked whether to enshrine the prohibition in the city charter.
Cities across California and Florida are moving to ban data centers, citing heavy demands on electricity and water, air pollution, and noise. Communications Today reports that Irwindale, California, unanimously approved an ordinance banning data centers, joining other San Gabriel Valley cities that have adopted similar restrictions. Poway, California, is considering a permanent ban on artificial-intelligence data centers despite having no active developer proposals, while Edgewater, Florida, approved a ban with a 12-month sunset clause.
Local officials say data centers bring limited economic benefits and strain community resources. The bans reflect growing friction between cities wanting AI infrastructure development and residents concerned about environmental and quality-of-life impacts. TRT World notes that California Governor Gavin Newsom has also issued an executive order for new oversight of AI safety and security risks.
Irwindale Takes Permanent Stand Against Data Centers
Irwindale's Ordinance No. 821 bans data centers outright and takes effect 30 days after adoption. The mayor said the policy preserves responsible economic development while addressing community impacts. Unlike Monterey Park and Alhambra, which used voter-approved ballot measures for stronger protection against repeal, Irwindale has no plans for a ballot initiative. Alhambra's measure is scheduled for the November 3 election.
Poway Weighs AI Data Center Prohibition Amid Business Growth
Poway's proposed ordinance would prohibit AI data centers as a land use anywhere in the city. Officials described the measure as permanent policy to give residents, businesses, and property owners certainty about future development. However, the city is weighing the ban against its existing business park, which spans about 700 acres, roughly 9.5 million square feet, and houses approximately 18,000 workers across more than 500 businesses.
Some participants in the Poway debate favor a more differentiated approach. Sean Ellis of the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVAC called for research on different data center types before adopting a broader policy, suggesting not all facilities should be treated equally.
Edgewater Approves Temporary Moratorium With Voter Uncertainty
Edgewater, Florida, unanimously approved a ban described as a permanent moratorium, though legally it includes a 12-month sunset clause. City leaders called it permanent, but the ordinance expires unless renewed. Voters may later be asked whether to enshrine the prohibition in the city charter, leaving the ban's long-term status uncertain.
National Pattern of Communities Resisting Data Center Projects
Data center resistance extends beyond California and Florida. The Brockovich Report reports a 55-plus community in Saddlebrook Farms, Illinois, is suing an Atlanta-based developer to block a 1.2-gigawatt AI hyperscale data center campus. Glasgow Guardian notes Scotland has 23 hyperscale AI data centers proposed as of August 2026, with developers attracted by renewable energy from wind turbines.
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