Quick Take
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is weighing whether to move forward with developing a ballot measure and ordinance that would regulate artificial intelligence data centers and give residents the final say in approval.
Santa Cruz County could give residents the final say over any future artificial intelligence data center proposed in the county’s unincorporated areas, under a ballot measure and ordinance that supervisors will consider Tuesday.
The proposed measure would require voter approval before an AI data center or other “high-intensity computing facilities” could receive zoning or permits or begin construction. It also would express the county’s opposition to such facilities.
The ballot measure would go to voters in 2028, according to a county staff report.
There are currently no AI data centers proposed in Santa Cruz County.
The proposal comes as opposition to AI data centers grows across California and the country. Many argue that they use large amounts of water to keep servers cool enough to function that could be used to support households, and could also strain the electrical grid because of how much power is needed to operate them, leading to potentially higher bills for residents.
The California Energy Commission reported that AI data centers use about 1,000 megawatts in 2026, which represents 2% of peak electricity demand within the California Independent System Operator. The commission expects that to increase to 4,500 megawatts by 2040.
District 3 Supervisor Justin Cummings proposed the item. In a media release from his office, Cummings said the proposal would allow county residents “to weigh the pros and cons for themselves and take action.”
“AI data centers are known to have negative impacts on communities where they are based,” Cummings told Lookout. “Rather than wait on a data center being proposed, I’m bringing this item forward to open the discussion at the board, and hopefully pass this item giving voters the power to determine for themselves if they want one of these in our community.”
Staff indicated in their report that the ballot measure and ordinance would give the county “an opportunity to build on its legacy of balancing development with environmental protection,” and including residents in decision-making.
The potential measure is modeled after the county’s ordinance against offshore drilling projects, which is on the ballot this November to strengthen the local law, that requires voter approval for any offshore facility of over 20,000 square feet that supports offshore drilling operations.
“The Coastal Zone, Santa Cruz Mountains, Pajaro Valley agricultural lands, San Lorenzo River watershed and Soquel Creek basin are among the county’s most sensitive and valuable resources,” said the county staff report. County staff added that having AI data centers would be incompatible with the county’s values and priorities that includes protecting the environment.
Cities across the state, including nearby in Gilroy, have either considered or have approved moratoriums on AI data centers in order for officials to review and update existing regulations of these facilities.
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