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Councilmember seeks ordinance to ban AI/data centers, citing water and grid concerns
Summary
Council member Bowen asked the council to schedule a referral to draft an ordinance to ban AI/data centers, calling for zoning standards, water-use limits, noise and environmental rules and transparency measures; no formal action was taken tonight beyond the referral request.
Council member Bowen on June 15 asked the San Leandro City Council to place a referral to draft an ordinance banning AI/data centers and to develop zoning, permitting, environmental, noise, water‑use and transparency standards.
Bowen framed the request as a precaution to address "the most urgent threats: water scarcity, grid strain, pollution, affordability and community health" and asked staff to include clear policy language restricting certain types of facilities, specific zoning standards, and transparency requirements. She noted the item could be scheduled for a priority workshop in the spring or returned as an urgent referral if conditions warrant.
Members of the public earlier in the meeting had urged the council to consider data-center bans or moratoria, citing water and energy demands and climate policy goals. The San Leandro Chamber, while focused this evening on a business license tax, urged careful study of fiscal and sectoral impacts before citywide decisions that affect local employers.
The council did not vote on a ban tonight. Bowen asked staff and the clerk to place the referral on a future agenda for study and potential ordinance development; staff will advise on scope, legal implications and timing.
