'You're a liar.' Why the world's biggest building boom has run into a wall in California

Key Points:

• Bryan Marsh of Australia’s HMC StratCap faced strong opposition at Monterey Park City Hall as residents protested plans for a large data center, citing concerns over pollution, noise, and increased electricity bills.
• California’s strict regulations, high land and electricity costs, and growing public resistance are driving data center investments and jobs to other states like Texas, which is expected to become the leading U.S. data center market soon.
• Despite significant investment and promises of job creation and tax revenue, HMC StratCap’s Monterey Park project faced a city council decision to allow a June ballot measure on banning data centers, reflecting widespread local opposition.
• The activist group No Data Center Monterey Park successfully mobilized the community, particularly the largely Chinese population, to oppose the project through petitions and cultural events, highlighting the intersection of environmental and social concerns.
• HMC StratCap has withdrawn its application to build the data center, citing unfavorable new city restrictions and the upcoming vote, signaling a potential retreat from the project and possible legal actions to protect its investments.