West Covina City Council Opposes Large-Scale Data Centers

The West Covina City Council unanimously approved a resolution on September 15, 2026, to oppose the construction of large-scale data centers and battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities within the city. Councilmember Ollie Cantos led the effort, citing resident concerns regarding fire hazards and the depletion of the local water supply, particularly following five recent fires in the city.

While the resolution is not a final determination against all future development, the council directed staff to identify regulations to prevent such facilities. The council also requested that a letter be sent to the City of Industry to express opposition to a proposed data center at the Puente Hills Mall.

This action aligns with a broader trend in the San Gabriel Valley, where Monterey Park previously banned data center development via Measure NDC and Alhambra placed a similar ban on its November ballot. This local opposition contrasts with the position of President Donald Trump, who has described data centers as the oil of the next 20 to 25 years because of the artificial intelligence boom.