LA County Board Considers Ban on AI Data Centers

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a proposal on Tuesday to develop a zoning amendment prohibiting large-scale and hyperscale data centers in unincorporated areas of the county. Introduced by Supervisor Hilda Solis, the motion argues that facilities powering artificial intelligence consume excessive energy and water, contribute to pollution, and negatively impact public health.

The proposed amendment seeks to distinguish these hyperscale facilities from beneficial use centers used for daily computational needs. As part of the motion, the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning is directed to draft the amendment and inform residents of existing prohibitions. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services must evaluate whether current noise regulations sufficiently address low-frequency noise generated by these centers.

The motion also calls for the authority to implement immediate moratoriums if a proposed facility threatens environmental resources or public safety. This legislative push follows significant public opposition in the San Gabriel Valley and similar restrictions already adopted in Montebello, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, and El Monte.