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Commission backs data-center regulations, pushes for a firm renewable-energy requirement
Summary
The Stone Environmental Commission voted to support planning application PC 26-14 on data-center regulations and authorized the chair to send a letter and speak to council, while several members urged changing the draft to require a specific percentage of renewable or carbon-free electricity (25% cited as an example).
The Stone Environmental Commission voted to support the planning application PC 26-14, a package of proposed regulations for data centers, and authorized the commission chair to draft a letter to city council and the administration and to speak at the council planning committee meeting the next day.
During discussion, commission members praised provisions on noise and water use but concentrated on the draft’s power and energy language. Commission member Rick proposed replacing the guidance that data centers make "efforts" to secure renewable energy with a requirement that a specified percentage of the development’s electricity be supplied from renewable or verified carbon-free sources — either on-site or through replacement purchases. "I would propose that we change the language of 1 c 3 ... require a certain percentage," Rick said, suggesting a starting figure such as 25% for further analysis.
Members discussed how an on-site requirement may be impractical for some developments, but suggested alternatives such as a mandatory percentage backed by mitigation measures or off-site procurement if on-site generation is infeasible. Staff noted that planning commission had approved the draft as written and that the item would be heard by the council’s planning committee the following day; members were encouraged to offer public comment at that meeting.
The motion to support application PC 26-14 and to authorize the chair’s outreach carried by voice vote. The commission did not amend the planning document on the floor; several members signaled they would continue developing stronger renewable-energy language for subsequent recommendations to council.
What happens next: The item is scheduled for the council planning committee; commissioners said they would attend or submit written comments to press for a firm renewable-energy percentage in any final ordinance or administrative standard.
