Key facts
- Voters in Monterey Park, California, approved a permanent ban on new data centers.
- The ban passed with overwhelming approval.
- Concerns cited include power, water, and quality of life.
Residents of Monterey Park, a suburb near Los Angeles, have used the ballot box to enact a permanent ban on the construction of new data centers. The decision, which passed with overwhelming approval, was driven by concerns regarding the significant demands these facilities place on local power and water resources, as well as their impact on the overall quality of life in the community. This move by Monterey Park voters is notable as it represents a significant local action against the expansion of data center infrastructure, aligning with broader national trends of community pushback against the tech industry.