In first, California city overwhelmingly votes to permanently ban datacenters
Monterey Park, California, has made history by becoming the first city in the U.S. to vote on a permanent ban on datacenters. The ballot measure received overwhelming support, with over 86% of voters in favor of the prohibition. This decision reflects residents' concerns about environmental impacts and utility costs associated with datacenters in their community.
- ▪Residents in Monterey Park voted overwhelmingly to ban datacenters, with 86.3% in favor.
- ▪This makes Monterey Park the first city in the U.S. to implement such a ban through a ballot initiative.
- ▪The city council had previously enacted an indefinite moratorium on datacenters due to community concerns.
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Residents gather at city hall in Monterey Park, California, on 21 January to protest against the construction of a datacenter. Photograph: Steven KungView image in fullscreenResidents gather at city hall in Monterey Park, California, on 21 January to protest against the construction of a datacenter. Photograph: Steven KungCaliforniaIn first, California city overwhelmingly votes to permanently ban datacentersWhile many US city councils have passed moratoriums, Monterey Park is first where residents have voted on a ban Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Sanya MansoorWed 3 Jun 2026 15.40 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 15.47 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleResidents in Monterey Park, California, became the first in the US to vote on a permanent ban on datacenters on…
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