Breakdown of Supervisor Manuel Perez's rescinded letter of support for proposed data center

Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez has officially withdrawn his letter of support for a proposed data center campus in Coachella, citing growing political and community opposition. The rescission comes shortly after a contentious town hall meeting where hundreds of residents voiced concerns about the development's potential environmental and health impacts. Supervisor Perez had initially backed the project, proposed by Stronghold Power, on March 9, describing it as a significant economic opportunity for the region with potential for $50 million in new city revenue and ongoing opportunities for the Imperial Irrigation District. However, in a statement, Perez noted that the project still requires substantial review, including an Environmental Impact Report and adherence to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, alongside further community input. He specifically highlighted unresolved issues regarding water and electricity. Water usage has emerged as a primary concern, with the Coachella Valley Water District stating that no water supply assessment has been submitted for the project and that they have no information on its water needs or service area. The Imperial Irrigation District declined to comment, referencing ongoing litigation. Stronghold Power, the developer, defended the project, emphasizing its economic benefits and commitment to a transparent process. Local officials in Coachella are currently soliciting public feedback via a survey, with the deadline for participation set for May 18. City officials and developers have yet to announce when the project will proceed to formal review.