San Diego representatives to introduce legislation stopping proposed NAVWAR data center

By Fox 5 San Diego

San Diego Congressional Democrats announced plans on Thursday to introduce legislation that will impact a proposed data center in the city. 

The 400-megawatt artificial intelligence data center is proposed for the 70-acre Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) site near Old Town San Diego. The proposal has received criticism from city leaders and community members alike, with San Diego City Council passing a 45-day moratorium on data centers.

Despite the city’s response, the NAVWAR site is federally owned and may require additional measures. San Diego U.S. House Representatives said they plan to introduce legislation requiring local government approval and consultation for the data center.

City moves to delay 400-megawatt NAVWAR AI data center plan

“San Diego has been very clear, from our neighbors to Mayor Gloria to the City Council, in opposing this plan,” Representative Sara Jacobs said in a news release. “That’s why we’re working on legislation to prevent construction of this data center at NAVWAR.”

Rep. Scott Peters added that the NAVWAR campus should be utilized for housing.

According to San Diego City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, the developer, Manchester Financial Group, previously told officials the site would be used for housing. 

“What happens to the NAVWAR campus should be up to our constituents, and until we get more information on the specific plans and path forward for the site, our bill ensures this site can be used for what San Diegans actually need and want,” Peters said. 

Locals and activists push back on massive AI data center on NAVWAR site

In a statement shared on Oct. 22, President & CEO of Manchester Financial Group Ted Eldredge said they are still exploring additional project elements such as retail, a university and a life science facility.

“As for the concept of a data center, our development team had early, informational conversations with energy providers to understand what might be feasible, but there are no negotiations underway and no agreements in place,” Eldredge said.

Rep. Juan Vargas added that residents have a right to know what is being developed in their community. 

“Residents and local government should have a say in what happens to the NAVWAR campus,” Vargas said. “Full stop.”

The representatives have not officially announced the specific bill. Additionally, the Navy is conducting an environmental review to evaluate the development.