AI data center plan energizes opposition in California desert
News Clipinewsource·Imperial County, CA·4/8/2026
Residents in Imperial County, California, are fiercely opposing a proposed 330-megawatt hyperscale data center from Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, citing concerns over environmental impacts, water usage, and quality of life. The project, moved to county land after city opposition, has sparked multiple lawsuits and a community-led movement pushing for a moratorium on data center development in the region. Despite strong community pushback, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors recently approved a lot merger and right-of-way vacation for the project, leaving residents to explore further legal and political actions.
environmentalzoninglegaloppositiongovernmentelectricitywatermoratorium
Gov: City of Imperial, Imperial County Board of Supervisors, Imperial County Planning Commission, Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, Imperial Irrigation District, California state Sen. Steve Padilla, Sen. Josh Hawley, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Monterey Park City Council, Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
A massive 330-megawatt hyperscale data center proposed by developer Sebastian Rucci's Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing is facing intense opposition from residents in Imperial County, California. The project, initially planned for city-owned land, was moved to unincorporated county land near residential neighborhoods after the City of Imperial refused to support it without a full environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Community members, organized under groups like "Not In My Back Yard Imperial," express fury over the county's process, citing concerns about noise, visual blight, increased traffic, heavy water and power usage, potential emissions, and the project's proximity to homes, schools, and parks. They point to a history of projects in the Imperial Valley that have overpromised benefits and understated impacts. Despite these objections, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to advance the project by approving a lot merger and vacating a public right-of-way on the site, though permitting issues remain.
Legal battles are ongoing, with the City of Imperial suing Imperial County to challenge the project's ministerial approval, and Rucci, in turn, suing the city, a news organization (KPBS), a resident, and an environmental group for defamation. Residents are exploring options such as a potential November 2026 ballot initiative to block data centers in the county and a recall petition against Chairwoman Peggy Price. Meanwhile, state Senator Steve Padilla has introduced legislation to regulate data centers in California, including requiring CEQA review, and federal lawmakers are calling for a national moratorium on such developments.
Separately, Rucci is in preliminary discussions with the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe for a smaller data center project on tribal land. The Imperial Irrigation District has not yet committed to powering Rucci's main project, and its board elections are drawing attention due to the candidacy of Carlos Duran, who has received funding from Rucci's company for media communications.