{"id":348,"date":"2026-07-15T16:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T23:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/?p=348"},"modified":"2026-07-15T20:13:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T03:13:25","slug":"how-to-protest-the-development-of-ai-data-centers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/?p=348","title":{"rendered":"How to Protest the Development of AI Data Centers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How to Protest the Development of AI Data Centers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written by: San Jose CAN<br>July 15, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI data centers are expanding rapidly across California. In San Jos\u00e9, these projects can affect neighborhoods for decades through increased electricity demand, water consumption, backup generator emissions, noise, traffic, and land use. Residents have the legal right to participate in the public review process before major projects receive approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most effective time to influence a project is&nbsp;<strong>before<\/strong>&nbsp;permits are approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Know Who Makes the Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In San Jos\u00e9, proposed data centers generally require a&nbsp;<strong>Special Use Permit<\/strong>&nbsp;and are reviewed by the City&#8217;s Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) Department. Depending on the project, environmental review may also be required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and some projects involving large backup power systems may involve the California Energy Commission. The City now maintains a dedicated webpage listing data center and other large energy-use projects that are under review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Notice Is Required, But Many Residents Still Miss It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California law and City procedures require public notice for many development applications. Notice may include mailed notices to nearby property owners, public hearing agendas, posted signs, and online documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, meeting the legal minimum does not necessarily mean the broader public becomes aware of a proposal. Notices may only reach nearby property owners, technical documents can span hundreds or thousands of pages, and public hearings often occur during weekday business hours. Residents who do not actively monitor City agendas may not learn about a project until late in the approval process. The City has acknowledged the need for stronger and more consistent community notification and engagement as it develops new data center standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitor Projects Before Decisions Are Made<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not wait for social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitor the City&#8217;s data center project list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search project files using SJPermits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subscribe to Environmental Impact Report notifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign up for weekly development alerts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read staff reports before public hearings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These resources are provided by the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask Hard Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents should request clear, written answers about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Daily and annual water demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether potable or recycled water will be used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Source of electricity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Number and size of diesel backup generators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air quality impacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greenhouse gas emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noise modeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heat released into surrounding neighborhoods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traffic during construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tree removal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildlife impacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency preparedness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cumulative impacts when multiple data centers are located in the same area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the information is missing or unclear, ask that it be provided before any approval is granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Submit Written Public Comments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written comments become part of the official public record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comments are generally more effective when they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reference the project file number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cite specific concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Request additional environmental analysis when appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask direct questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include supporting evidence whenever possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid personal attacks. Focus on facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speak at Public Hearings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents may usually provide oral comments during Planning Director, Planning Commission, or City Council hearings, depending on the type of approval required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep comments focused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether you live or work nearby.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your concerns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What action you want the City to take.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organize Your Neighborhood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One resident can raise concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An organized neighborhood can demonstrate that a project has broad community interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective actions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Holding neighborhood meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing official City documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating fact sheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coordinating attendance at hearings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging neighbors to submit separate comments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contacting neighborhood associations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decision-makers often pay attention when many independent residents participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Request Stronger Environmental Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If environmental impacts have not been adequately analyzed, residents may request additional review through the CEQA process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Potential issues may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Water resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air quality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greenhouse gas emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biological resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traffic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cumulative impacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy demand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requests should be supported by facts whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact Elected Officials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents may contact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Their City Council member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Mayor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning Commissioners, when appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communications should remain respectful and focus on policy and evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Peaceful and Lawful Protest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The First Amendment protects peaceful expression in public forums, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawful ways to express opposition include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speaking during public meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attending hearings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizing neighborhood meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Circulating petitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing letters to elected officials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submitting opinion pieces to local media.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holding peaceful demonstrations where permitted by law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharing verified information on social media.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requesting meetings with City staff or elected representatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Threats, harassment, trespassing, vandalism, or disrupting public meetings are not protected forms of protest and can undermine a community&#8217;s credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask for Greater Transparency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Residents can advocate for policies requiring every proposed AI data center to publicly disclose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Estimated daily and annual water use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Source of water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooling technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greenhouse gas emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Number of backup generators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air quality impacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noise studies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heat mitigation measures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emergency response plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community benefits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term monitoring requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Greater transparency allows residents and decision-makers to better understand potential impacts before approvals are granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI data centers can bring investment and tax revenue, but they can also place significant demands on electricity, water, and local infrastructure. Public participation is most effective before approvals are issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law provides opportunities for residents to review projects, ask questions, submit comments, and speak at public hearings. Those opportunities are most valuable when the public knows they exist and uses them. Staying informed, reviewing official documents, participating in hearings, and insisting on transparent, evidence-based decision-making are among the strongest tools available to any community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Protest the Development of AI Data Centers Written by: San Jose CANJuly 15, 2026 AI data centers are expanding rapidly across California. In San Jos\u00e9, these projects can affect neighborhoods for decades through increased electricity demand, water consumption, backup generator emissions, noise, traffic, and land use. Residents have the legal right to participate&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ai-data-centers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=348"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/348\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanjosecan.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}