Indian Wells Valley resident pushback against proposed data center
Residents of Inyokern, California are expressing strong opposition to a proposed data center project in the Indian Wells Valley. They cite concerns over the region's critical water overdraft, aging infrastructure, and the project's proximity to homes and schools. The project is currently awaiting a determination from the California Energy Commission on whether a full environmental impact report is required.
Residents of Inyokern, located within the Indian Wells Valley, are voicing significant opposition to a proposed data center project, contending that it poses a threat to their community. The proposed facility is situated near residential areas and schools, raising concerns among the local populace.
The primary points of contention for residents revolve around the region's severe water scarcity, specifically a "critical overdraft" of the groundwater basin, and the existing aging infrastructure, which they believe cannot adequately support a large-scale data center. Although an unnamed Trona-based company developing the project has claimed it will utilize grid power with generator backups and create 30 to 60 permanent jobs in addition to 1,600 construction jobs, these assurances have not alleviated community fears.
The project's future currently hinges on the California Energy Commission's decision regarding the necessity of a full environmental impact report. Residents of the Indian Wells Valley Ground Water Basin are particularly worried that any increased water consumption in Inyokern would further strain the entire basin, which is already experiencing water shortages.