Ridgecrest Moves Forward With Intervener Petition in Inyokern Data Center Review
The Ridgecrest City Council voted to file a petition for intervener status in the California Energy Commission's review of the proposed Inyokern Data Center project. This allows the city to access technical studies and participate formally in the state's approval process without taking a definitive stance on the project. Residents raised concerns about the project's potential impacts on groundwater, electrical infrastructure, military operations, and air quality.
The Ridgecrest City Council has moved to file a petition for intervener status in the California Energy Commission's (CEC) review of the proposed Inyokern Data Center project. City Manager Travis Reed clarified that this action does not signal support or opposition but grants Ridgecrest a formal role in the approval process, providing access to technical studies and the ability to participate in hearings, review environmental documents, and submit comments regarding potential impacts on groundwater, electrical infrastructure, housing, economic development, and public infrastructure.
City officials emphasized that intervener status would enable Ridgecrest to participate in workshops, evidentiary proceedings, and environmental reviews. City Attorney Martin Koczanowicz assured the council that any decision regarding non-disclosure agreements for confidential utility information would rest with the council, reviewed in closed session. Councilmember Solomon Rajaratnam supported the move, highlighting that while the project is outside city limits, its impacts would be felt regionally, viewing it as a preparatory step should the city choose to oppose the project in the future.
Public comment largely focused on transparency and potential adverse impacts, with residents expressing concerns about groundwater usage, military operations at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, anticipated electricity demand, and air quality near Inyokern Airport. Residents also questioned the timing of the city's petition, to which city officials responded that it would be filed promptly and remain timely as the project application had not yet been deemed complete by the CEC. The council ultimately reached a consensus to direct staff to file the petition for intervener status as soon as possible.