Perez Rescinds Support for Data Center

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has rescinded his letter of support for the controversial Coachella Valley Technology Campus, a proposed 240-acre data center development in Coachella, California. Perez's initial letter of support, dated March 9, had indicated the project would bring significant opportunities and revenue to the Imperial Irrigation District. Darin Schemmer, Perez's communications director, confirmed the withdrawal, citing the need for extensive environmental review, community input, and addressing concerns related to water and electricity. The supervisor's change of stance comes in the wake of a highly attended town hall meeting where over 100 Coachella residents and community members from neighboring cities expressed strong opposition to the project. The proposed data center, a partnership between the city of Coachella and Stronghold Power Systems Inc., would be located on agricultural land east of downtown Coachella, approximately two miles from Valle del Sol Elementary and across from a mobile home park. The Coachella City Council is now set to decide whether to block the project amidst growing local opposition and a key county leader's withdrawal of support.