Coachella City Council Set to Vote on Temporary Data Center Moratorium
The Coachella City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed 45-day moratorium on new data center applications, including a large project by Stronghold Power Systems. This action follows weeks of public opposition and concerns regarding environmental impacts and strain on local resources. If approved, the moratorium would allow city staff to study potential impacts and develop long-term zoning policies.
The Coachella City Council is set to vote on an urgency ordinance that would implement a 45-day moratorium on all data center applications in the city. The proposed pause comes amidst significant public opposition, particularly concerning a large-scale project by Stronghold Power Systems, which includes six data centers across over 400 acres.
City leaders aim to use the moratorium period to study the potential environmental effects and strain on local resources associated with data centers. Council Member Denise Delgado emphasized the desire for a comprehensive ordinance that prevents future loopholes. Residents, meanwhile, are advocating for a permanent ban on data center development, citing existing research on infrastructure and environmental concerns. The temporary ordinance would expire after 45 days unless extended for up to a year, during which time city officials would also explore permanent zoning restrictions that could prohibit data centers in specific areas.