East Bay City To Consider Data Center Ban

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — An East Bay city could become the latest to take action on data centers after elected officials asked councilmembers to consider a ban, citing growing regional concerns over the facilities.

City Councilmember Faye Maloney requested a future agenda item to consider banning new data centers in Brentwood.

Maloney made the request during the City Council's Wednesday meeting, saying the proposal was a joint request with Councilmember Jovita Mendoza.

According to the request, the council would consider an ordinance prohibiting the establishment, construction, expansion, and operation of any new data center facilities within Brentwood city limits.

The City Council did not debate or vote on the proposal because it was introduced as a request for a future agenda item.

City staff is expected to bring the issue back for discussion at a later date, although no timeline has been announced.

The request comes as several East Contra Costa County cities examine how to regulate data centers.

In Pittsburg, residents have criticized a data center project approved in November 2024 after learning more about the project's potential impacts.

Oakley has adopted a temporary moratorium on new data centers while city officials evaluate long-term regulations and are working to extend that pause.

Antioch has not taken a formal position on data center development.

If the proposal returns to the Brentwood City Council, members will decide whether to move forward with drafting an ordinance that would permanently prohibit new data center facilities within the city.