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Commissioners weigh local rules, coordination with air district and CEQA risks for data‑center permits
Summary
Discussion at the commission focused on whether Sunnyvale should require clean energy, expand notification beyond 1,000 feet, involve public-health authorities early, and avoid piecemeal permitting that can hide cumulative impacts; the presenter urged city-level leadership while noting state action has been inconsistent.
Commissioners used Meshika Allgood's presentation to discuss policy levers Sunnyvale could use if data-center permit applications arrive. Suggestions included: requiring clean energy or recycled-water minimums in local ordinances, expanding public-notice distances beyond 1,000 feet, requiring developers to disclose cooling chemicals to wastewater authorities, and coordinating with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and county public-health staff.
Allgood emphasized that some state processes (she cited the CEC and the Small Power Plant Exemption/SPPE pathway) can preempt or streamline local environmental review. She recommended the city consider being the CEQA lead agency when feasible, bring public health into reviews early, and avoid approving projects piecemeal so cumulative impacts (power, water, wastewater, air) are visible.
Commissioners asked practical questions about whether local legislation would push projects to neighboring cities and how to pursue council-level priority status for study. No ordinance was proposed at the meeting; commissioners discussed next steps and how to place the issue on a future council-priority agenda.
