San Francisco passes data centre moratorium in hometown of AI

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Defence Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Defence Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Defence Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeInformation TechnologyNewsSan Francisco passes data centre moratorium in hometown of AIHome to OpenAI and Anthropic PBC, San Francisco doesn’t have a comprehensive tally of its data centresAuthor of the article:The city joins communities elsewhere in the U.S. that have moved to restrict data centre development amid growing concerns. Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty ImagesSan Francisco, home to some of the world’s most valuable artificial-intelligence companies, is temporarily banning new data centres within its borders.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountThe city’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium Tuesday, joining a growing national backlash against the facilities underpinning the AI boom. The pause, which took effect immediately, can be extended for roughly two years, as officials consider more permanent restrictions.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Home to OpenAI and Anthropic PBC, San Francisco doesn’t have a comprehensive tally of its data centres. The city joins communities elsewhere in the United States — including New York state — that have moved to restrict data centre development amid concerns about water consumption, electricity costs and environmental impacts.Breaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe San Francisco measure was co-sponsored by Supervisor Connie Chan, who is running to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress.The ordinance’s sponsors singled out a specific development in the city’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighbourhood, which is also home to other data centre facilities. The area is “already overburdened with air pollution and environmental justice concerns,” according to the sponsors.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.