In the heart of Northern California, two communities are standing up against the rapid expansion of data center developments. As the demand for artificial intelligence and data storage surges, residents in Pittsburg and Gilroy are expressing their frustrations over the environmental and community impacts of these large-scale projects.

The controversy centers around two major data center projects: one approved in Pittsburg in 2026 and another currently under construction in Gilroy. Both projects have sparked significant backlash from local residents, who are concerned about the long-term effects on their communities.

Pittsburg Residents Demand a Halt to Data Center Development

Over 300 Pittsburg residents attended a recent City Council meeting to voice their opposition to a data center planned for the former Delta View Golf Course. The proposed facility, part of the Pittsburg Technology Park would be a three-story structure capable of generating 96 megawatts of power. The project has drawn criticism for its potential environmental impacts, including increased water consumption and the loss of open space.

Residents expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and community engagement in the approval process. Mark Linde a lifelong resident, has been organizing opposition efforts through the Nextdoor social media platform. He called on the city to impose a two-year moratorium on data center development and establish a citizen oversight committee.

Amhari Perkins a mother of two, launched an online petition to ban the data center, which garnered over 13,000 signatures in just one week. Perkins emphasized the need for meaningful communication and transparency from city officials. “Pittsburg is not just a small overlooked city. It is my home,” she stated during the meeting.

Environmental and Economic Concerns

The proposed data center in Pittsburg would be cooled using recycled water and supported by 37 diesel-powered backup generators. However, residents have raised concerns about the facility’s energy consumption and potential noise pollution. Kyri Baker an associate professor and energy expert at the University of Colorado noted that data centers consume a significant amount of energy, which can lead to increased residential energy bills and emissions.

City officials, including Jordan Davis the director of community and economic development, defended the project, highlighting its potential economic benefits. Davis stated that the tax revenue generated by the data center would help fund city programs and services, such as road improvements and recreational facilities. “These types of taxes are good for the community because the community does not need to pay them,” Davis said.

Gilroy Residents Voice Similar Concerns

Approximately 90 miles south in Gilroy residents are also expressing their concerns about a data center currently under construction. The project, developed by Amazon Web Services has raised similar issues regarding environmental impacts and community engagement. Residents have questioned the long-term costs of water and power, as well as the potential for increased noise pollution and emissions.

Baker emphasized that while newer data centers tend to use less water than older facilities, energy use remains a major issue. “Data centers consume a lot of energy. There’s no getting around that,” she said. She also noted that residential energy bills have increased in some areas with data center development, though some studies show prices can also drop.

The Path Forward

In response to the growing opposition, the Pittsburg City Council has announced that the data center issue will return to a future agenda for additional public discussion. The city has scheduled a workshop on data center development, providing another opportunity for public participation and council direction regarding future projects.

As the debate over data center developments continues, residents in Pittsburg and Gilroy are united in their call for greater transparency, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of data center development in Northern California and set a precedent for similar projects across the region.