The Pittsburg City Council voted unanimously to place a 45-day moratorium on new data center development following a heated council meeting, though residents who packed the chambers say the temporary pause does not go far enough to stop a controversial project.

Unanimous Vote Halts New Data Center Development

The vote targets the next two phases of the Avaio data center project, proposed at the former Delta View Golf Course. The city approved the project's first phase in 2024, and that portion of the development is not affected by the temporary halt.

The 45-day moratorium takes effect immediately, and while the council could consider extending the pause before it expires, development on the first phase of the Avaio project remains unaffected for now.

Demonstrators Gather Outside City Hall

About two dozen demonstrators turned out outside City Hall to protest the development, raising concerns over potential health risks and the project's proximity to homes, schools, and a church.

"It's right by a church, it's right by a school, I live in close proximity, and I'm worried about the illnesses," said Pittsburg resident Marta Rodrigues.

The tension carried inside when demonstrators interrupted the start of the council meeting, prompting a temporary pause. Police escorted the protesters out of the chambers, and the meeting resumed with public comment.

Residents Press Council During Public Comment

Residents continued to press the council during the public comment period, with their remarks reflecting frustration over the project's momentum. One commenter stated, "What part of 'no don't' do you understand? I can spell it out for you; it's N-O." Another speaker added, "We can build a future without an industrial power plant besides the playground and protect the places where our children grew up."

Councilmembers acknowledged the community's apprehension following the pushback. "We hear that there's a lot of concern…a lot of fear of what it could mean…for the City of Pittsburg," said Councilmember Jelani Killings.

Proposition 45 Adds Another Layer to the Debate

The local pushback arrives just days before next week's election, with Proposition 45 adding another layer of controversy to the debate. Opponents of the measure fear it could streamline environmental reviews and make it easier to move certain data center projects forward.

"It guts our environmental and public review…very broad definition of broadband internet projects," said Woody Little of Clean and Healthy California.

However, a legal analysis from the California Chamber of Commerce challenges that argument. According to the analysis, conventional data centers would not qualify under the measure because they do not provide mass-market retail internet access directly to customers.

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