The proposed Data Center Moratorium Ordinance would temporarily halt the development of new facilities and material expansions of existing data centres.
Developing new rules for data centres The task force has been charged with developing a coordinated regulatory framework that responds to the increasing scale, energy intensity and resource requirements of modern data centres.
Its work will build on recommendations from the Sustainable Data Centers Working Group, which examined the sector through engagement with utilities, data centre operators, environmental organisations and community stakeholders.
The city is also progressing stronger benchmarking requirements intended to provide greater transparency around the energy and water consumed by data centres.
“This moratorium gives the city the time needed to lead the way on municipal best practices for regulating data centres.”