Board of Supervisors Meeting - 08/18/2026

The County of Tulare Board of Supervisors held a meeting on August 18, 2026, which included significant discussion on a proposed temporary moratorium on data center development within the unincorporated areas of the county. The moratorium, initially set for 45 days with potential extensions up to a year, aims to allow the county to develop appropriate zoning regulations and evaluate the environmental, infrastructure, and community impacts of data centers, including concerns about water usage, electricity demand, noise, and air quality. The board voted to approve the moratorium and also agreed to take a position of opposition to any data center developments proposed by cities within or near the county during the moratorium period. Public comments reflected strong community concerns about the environmental and social impacts of data centers, with calls for a permanent ban. Additionally, the board approved a letter requesting federal assistance to resolve delays in FEMA reimbursements related to 2023 flooding disasters. Other agenda items included proclamations recognizing California Water Service's 100th anniversary and National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. No other procurement or contracting decisions were noted during the meeting.