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Hayward freezes new AI data-center development for 45 days as East Bay cities review impacts
Hayward approved a temporary halt while officials assess four operating data centers and two proposed facilities. Richmond extended its pause, and Pittsburg is preparing one as concerns mount over noise and pressure on power and water systems.
Hayward officials have put new artificial intelligence data-center development on hold for 45 days, joining other East Bay cities reviewing the effects of the large computing facilities on local communities and infrastructure.
The City Council approved the temporary moratorium Tuesday night. During the pause, city staff will monitor and analyze the impacts of four AI data centers already operating in Hayward and consider whether to approve two more facilities proposed near Arden Road and Corporate Avenue. Each proposed center would have a capacity of 99 megawatts.
The city could extend the moratorium for as long as two years. Concerns raised around the region include noise and the strain data centers may place on electrical grids and water systems.
Richmond’s City Council voted Tuesday to extend that city’s existing moratorium for more than 22 months. During public comment, Richmond resident Toronto Abbott questioned whether the wealth generated by data centers would benefit residents and raised concerns about jobs.
“We’re on the cusp of a really terrifying era,” Abbott said, describing the changes associated with the facilities as more than simply new or different.
In Pittsburg, the City Council on Monday directed staff to draft a 45-day moratorium on AI data centers. The council is scheduled to consider the proposal next Monday.