Solis Advances Ban on Data Centers Powering AI in Unincorporated Areas in Los Angeles County
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis released the following statement on banning data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI) in unincorporated areas:
“My motion in April to address the significant public health and environmental impacts of data centers passed unanimously. I introduced it in direct response to concerns raised by San Gabriel Valley residents who were understandably concerned about the effects of data centers in their communities, concerns that have since been reflected nationwide. As a necessary next step to address these concerns, the County’s report back on that motion identified zoning changes that would prohibit these facilities. The need for such a ban has only been further underscored by alarming developments from the AI sector on catastrophic impacts the technology may have on humanity.
To that end, in the coming weeks, I will bring further action before the Board to implement recommendations from the Departments of Regional Planning and Public Health to amend the County’s zoning code and ban data centers powering AI in unincorporated areas. In the interim, the Department of Regional Planning is issuing guidance to immediately ban these facilities while the zoning amendment moves forward. I thank the County departments, residents and stakeholders who brought these concerns forward and advocated for action. As technology continues to evolve, I remain committed to ensuring its growth does not come at the expense of public health, environmental protections or residents’ quality of life.”
Amy J. Bodek, AICP, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, today exercised her authority to immediately prohibit large-scale data centers that power AI in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, as outlined in a memo issued today.
