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Modesto residents press council to ban or place moratorium on AI data centers
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Modesto City Council on Aug. 11 they oppose possible AI data centers, citing water and power use, noise, health and surveillance concerns; the mayor said data centers are not currently allowed under the municipal code and staff will examine a moratorium or code change.
Dozens of Modesto residents packed the council chambers and joined by Zoom on Aug. 11 to urge the City Council to block AI data centers, with many asking the city to enact an immediate moratorium or an outright ban.
"I'm here tonight to urge you to shut down any proposed data center project in Modesto," said Claire Nasek, a Modesto resident (public comment). Multiple speakers raised similar concerns: heavy water and energy use, noise and 'heat island' effects, limited local jobs and corporate secrecy.
Mayor Sue Wallen opened the public-comment period by clarifying the city's current position: "large data centers are not currently an allowed use under the city's zoning code. Any change to the zoning code would require a formal code amendment process… City staff is not working on a proposed amendment to the zoning code to allow data centers. They are also exploring the need for a moratorium." The mayor's statement framed the discussion and set expectations for council and staff.
Residents pointed to national and regional examples and local investigations; speakers named Northpointe Development as a private company that has inquired about Modesto sites. Teachers, students and retirees cited threats to agriculture and to public health from projected energy and water demands. Speakers repeatedly asked the council to place a moratorium on a future agenda and to pursue a permanent ban.
Council responses varied. Council members Eric Alvarez and Chris Rickey said they would support bringing a moratorium or an ordinance banning AI data centers to a future meeting; others, including Council Member Nick Bavaro and Council Member David Wright, said they wanted more staff briefings and due diligence before taking formal action. City Manager Jose M. Sanchez told the council there was no active application, no nondisclosure agreement presented to the city, and that the municipal code currently does not allow large data centers.
The meeting did not produce a final policy change. Staff was directed to continue evaluating whether a moratorium is necessary and to prepare the options for council consideration, including a direct code amendment to prohibit data centers.
