Hundreds Protest Proposed Coachella Data Center Project at Packed City Council Meeting
Hundreds of Coachella residents protested a large proposed data center project by Stronghold Power at a City Council meeting, raising concerns about environmental, health, water, and energy impacts. The 400-acre project, which includes six data centers, has not yet undergone environmental review or received final approval. Deputies were called due to the vocal crowd, highlighting the significant community opposition.
Hundreds of residents packed the Coachella City Council meeting to protest a controversial proposed data center project backed by Stronghold Power. The project, planned near Avenue 52 and Fillmore Street, would span over 400 acres and include six data centers, potentially making it one of California's largest.
Community members from across the Coachella Valley voiced strong concerns regarding the project's potential environmental, health, water usage, energy demands, and air quality impacts, accusing city leaders of prioritizing financial solutions over community well-being. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were called in as the crowd became increasingly vocal, eventually escorting Stronghold Power representatives out for safety.
Residents also signed petitions advocating for a city-wide ban on data centers. Stronghold Power representatives defended the proposal, citing potential benefits such as jobs, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing. They emphasized that no environmental review has been completed, and no formal project approval has been granted by city officials.