San Diego lawmakers to introduce bill blocking NAVWAR data center without local approval

San Diego's four Democratic congressional representatives announced plans to introduce federal legislation that would require local government approval before a proposed 400-megawatt commercial data center at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) site can proceed, FOX 5 San Diego reported.

The proposed data center has faced backlash from the community and local officials, who were initially promised housing, amenities, and public parks on the site instead of a large data center, according to the Times of San Diego.

San Diego City Council unanimously approved a 45-day emergency pause on data centers, with the possibility to extend it up to 20 months. However, since the 60-acre site near Old Town is federally owned, the city lacks authority over its land use, FOX 5 San Diego noted.

Councilmember Stephen Whitburn emphasized that federal ownership should not exclude San Diegans from decisions impacting the community for generations, as reported by the Times of San Diego.

The congressional delegation's legislation aims to ensure local voices are included in decisions about the NAVWAR site, reflecting community opposition and local government concerns highlighted in recent weeks.