Monterey Park Bans Data Centers

A town in California has officially enacted a permanent ban on data centers, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times.

Residents of Monterey Park expressed concerns about climbing utility bills, the data center’s proximity to homes, and the potential effects on the environment. Notably, an indefinite halt on data center construction was established in April. This recent development makes Monterey Park the first city in the U.S. to impose a permanent ban on such facilities.

In a significant vote, about 86 percent of roughly 8,000 voters opted for the ban. The decision came after plans revealed that the proposed data center would consume three times the electricity of the entire city and be located less than 500 feet from the nearest home.

Interestingly, a Gallup poll from March 2026 showed that 70 percent of Americans oppose the establishment of AI data centers near their neighborhoods. Respondents voiced worries about water usage, living costs, and general quality of life. There’s also a broader hesitation toward AI among the public, especially concerning its potential impacts on jobs.

Former Mayor and current Council member Jose Sanchez stated that the referendum is a clear indication of the community’s stance against having a data center in Monterey Park.