Trending Now - Monterey Park Bans Data Centers Amid Rising Environmental Concerns

WHO:

Engadget - Monterey Park city council members

Engadget - Residents and advocates opposing the data center project

Engadget - Tech journalist Brian Merchant

Engadget - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposing federal legislation

Engadget - NAACP suing xAI

WHAT:

Engadget - Monterey Park has enacted a permanent ban on the construction of data centers within its city limits.

Engadget - A proposed 250,000 square foot data center project was halted due to community opposition.

Engadget - New York state leadership is working on legislation to prevent data center construction for three years.

Engadget - Maine has a bill regarding data center construction that has reached the governor's desk.

Engadget - The NAACP is suing xAI for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its data center in South Memphis.

WHERE:

Engadget - Monterey Park, California

Engadget - South Memphis, Tennessee

Engadget - New York, New York

Engadget - Maine

WHEN:

Engadget - The ban on data centers was enacted in 2026.

Engadget - The proposed data center project was stopped in 2026.

Engadget - The Maine bill has reached the governor's desk in 2026.

WHY:

Engadget - The city council labeled data centers as a public nuisance due to community concerns.

Engadget - Residents expressed that the issue of data centers is a quality of life concern, uniting various community members against the project.

Engadget - Federal proposals aim to establish more regulations for AI development and environmental security before allowing new data centers.

HOW:

Engadget - The city council's decision followed a public comment phase where residents voiced their opposition.

Engadget - Advocacy from local residents and organizations led to the halt of the data center project.

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 19:23 UTC)

Monterey Park, California, has enacted a permanent ban on data centers within its city limits, responding to community concerns that labeled these facilities as a public nuisance. The decision followed strong opposition from residents and advocacy groups, which also led to the halt of a proposed 250,000 square foot data center project. Meanwhile, New York state leadership is working on legislation to prevent data center construction for three years, and the NAACP is suing xAI for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its facility in South Memphis.