Eastern Kern County Residents urge Supervisors to oppose proposed AI Data Center
Residents in eastern Kern County, California, are strongly opposing two proposed AI data centers by R&L Capital near Ridgecrest. They have voiced concerns about potential impacts on water supply and local resources to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, who are currently reviewing the projects. Community members are advocating for stronger development standards and greater oversight.
Residents in eastern Kern County, California, particularly near Ridgecrest, have voiced significant opposition to two proposed artificial intelligence data centers by R&L Capital. During a public meeting, residents, including Jennifer Slayton from Ridgecrest, urged the Kern County Board of Supervisors to address concerns about the projects' potential long-term impacts on local communities and resources.
Slayton highlighted fears that these projects could establish a precedent for future data center developments throughout Kern County and called on the county's planning department and Board of Supervisors to prioritize community protection while remaining business-friendly. Community members from across the region, including neighboring Inyo County, specifically questioned the large-scale data centers' demands on already strained water supplies, with some residents noting poor water quality in areas like Mojave.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors acknowledged the concerns but indicated that their ability to comment is limited while the projects are undergoing review, citing the need to preserve due process. Supervisors stated they are aware of the issue and are monitoring its potential impacts. Residents have affirmed their commitment to continued advocacy for greater oversight, improved design planning, and robust minimum standards for future development as the review process continues, with no decision announced by the county.