Asian-majority city passes US' first permanent data center ban

Key facts

• Monterey Park, California, has passed a data center ban.
• The ban is the first permanent citywide ban on data centers in the U.S.
• Voters approved Measure NDC with 86% of the vote.
• The measure amends the city's land use framework.
• The ban can only be reversed by another ballot initiative.

Monterey Park, a city with an Asian majority in California, has passed Measure NDC, establishing the first permanent citywide ban on data centers in the United States. The measure received overwhelming support from voters, passing with 86% of the vote. This significant legislative action amends the city's existing land use framework. The ban is permanent and can only be reversed through another ballot initiative, making it a substantial hurdle for any future data center development within the city limits. The passage of Measure NDC sets a precedent for other municipalities considering the environmental and community impacts of data centers.