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28 <br /> Clean Energy Comes First <br /> Data centers will have backup electric generation. These generators are nearly always diesel <br /> powered, with the associated emissions from large diesel motors. <br /> "Emergency use" <br /> In thinking of the 'back up generators', the expectation to most of us is these generators would <br /> operate only in times when the primary source of power is lost. <br /> However, part of the regulation should consider what consists of an emergency. Data centers may <br /> switch to their backup systems when their primary costs of electric goes up. Meaning, the <br /> generators will run all the time as long as they produce cheaper electricity. This means people <br /> nearby will hear the generators and live with the emissions. <br /> These are a lot of things to consider, and I've only scratched the surface. One thing to keep in <br /> mind is that the Sierra Club is not anti-data center as a rule, as a certain amount of data centers <br /> need to exist for the internet to function at all. And that also proves the point that time and <br /> thoughtful analysis needs to be made before allowing data centers in Orange County. We hope <br /> the process brings in subject matter experts and the Sierra Club is interested in participating in <br /> that process. Thank you." <br /> A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to direct <br /> staff to prepare for a legislative public hearing at the April 21, 2026 Board Business meeting to <br /> declare a moratorium on "large-scale data centers" for one year and to initiate an amendment to <br /> the Orange County UDO to define and regulate "large-scale" data centers, inclusive of Artificial <br /> Intelligence Data Centers, Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities, Data Centers, Data Processing <br /> Facilities, and similar uses. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 7. Reports <br /> None. <br /> 8. Consent Agenda <br /> • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda <br /> • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda <br /> • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda <br /> A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve <br /> the consent agenda. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> a. Minutes for February 17, 2026 Business Meeting <br /> The Board approved the minutes for the February 17, 2026 Business Meeting. <br /> b. Second Chance Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Second Chance Month and <br /> honoring Orange County's reentering residents and the people and groups who support them. <br /> c. Long COVID Awareness Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Long COVID Awareness Month <br /> and retroactively designated March 15, 2026, as "Long COVID Awareness Day" in Orange <br /> County. <br />