‘We’re very conscious of the notion that data centers are in the public eye’: CRC proposes data center outside of Taft
The California Resource Corporation (CRC) has officially filed plans for a 600,000 square foot data center named Golden Valley in the Elk Hills oil field near Taft, California. While CRC emphasizes sustainable design and community engagement, some local residents express concerns about potential environmental impacts and a lack of public information. The project is currently moving through the permitting process.
The California Resource Corporation (CRC) has proposed a 600,000 square foot data center, to be called Golden Valley, within its Elk Hills oil field, approximately eight miles from Taft, California. CRC Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Gould stated the company is "very conscious of the notion that data centers are in the public eye now nationally" and committed to designing the facility to preemptively address community concerns.
CRC officially filed for the project, which they claim will utilize a closed water circuit to minimize water consumption, using an amount equivalent to one-third of a swimming pool. The company has also conducted multiple community listening sessions for residents in Taft, Buttonwillow, and Maricopa.
Resident reactions are mixed. Darrell Gill expressed excitement about potential job creation for the area, while Lori Burlison viewed it as simply another development in Taft. However, Patti Bench was surprised by the location choice, and Marilyn Rodriguez and Rochelle Heda voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about environmental contamination, increased droughts, and a perceived lack of public information from CRC. Heda specifically urged that the project should be stopped due to environmental impact.
The proposed data center project must complete several more steps in the permitting process before construction can begin.