Why this matters

With multiple data center proposals arriving in Imperial County and several nearby cities already imposing moratoriums on similar projects, supervisors are examining whether to implement their own temporary hold. These facilities have sparked worries about public health impacts while consuming large quantities of energy and water resources.

Following months of community advocacy, Imperial County leaders plan to evaluate a short-term suspension of data center developments while updating local construction rules.

This discussion follows the advancement of a large data center on county property that might avoid the strictest state environmental scrutiny. Additional proposals have surfaced, including one on nearby Quechen tribal land and another that could proceed without complete environmental analysis.

During Tuesday's meeting, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors reviewed draft guidelines for data center builds. Board members concluded the initial draft fell short in addressing resident concerns about weak oversight.

Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar stated that the resolution needs revision to include stronger measures. He also proposed forming an advisory committee to help shape the updated policies.

Escobar further recommended a six-month moratorium to allow sufficient time for thorough policy development.

Data centers remain a divisive topic locally, especially as two supervisors face reelection this year. Escobar and Supervisor John Hawk appeared on Tuesday's primary ballot.

Unofficial results from Thursday afternoon indicate Escobar trails Enrique Alvarado in the District 1 contest, with Alvarado nearing 50 percent of the vote. Hawk appears headed for a November runoff against Patricia Lizarraga in District 5.

Residents have urged a moratorium for several months and viewed the Tuesday discussion as progress.

Chris Scurries, a local resident and NIMBY Imperial member, noted that the move initiates long-sought action.

Dozens of community members opposed the proposed resolution at the meeting, arguing it fails to resolve health and safety issues and creates exceptions instead of firm rules.

Gina Snow, another resident and NIMBY Imperial member, emphasized that protections subject to waiver amount to mere suggestions, and the resolution's omissions are particularly concerning.

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, also on the ballot and advancing to the general election, submitted a letter read during public comment. It urged local officials to safeguard community health, water supplies, and the valley's future.

Residents have demanded that all data center projects undergo full review under the California Environmental Quality Act. The draft guidelines permit this option but include exceptions for certain projects, such as the Tomcat Development proposal on unincorporated land.

That project, located in the Mesquite Lake Specific Plan area between Brawley and Imperial, seeks to proceed without CEQA review by claiming permitted use status on industrially zoned property.

The developers did not respond to interview requests.

This effort follows a similar path to the Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing proposal near Imperial, which faces multiple lawsuits.

County counsel Geoffrey Holbrook noted that the board could draft the ordinance to cover pending projects.

In correspondence, developer Sebastian Rucci expressed confidence in advancing despite a potential moratorium, citing that approved projects cannot be halted retroactively.

The key dispute centers on the definition of approval. In April, the county approved a lot merger for Rucci's site, viewed as a critical milestone.

Chairperson Peggy Price clarified after the vote that her support applied only to the merger and did not endorse the overall project.

Last month, the Sierra Club filed suit against the county regarding the approval process for Rucci's development.

Moratorium discussions have appeared at city council meetings across the county. Brawley rejected a temporary measure last month, while Imperial approved one this week. Calexico continues to consider similar action.