Data center proposed in Inyokern and now Taft
Two data centers have been proposed in Kern County, California, one in Inyokern and another near Taft. These proposals are drawing significant scrutiny and opposition due to concerns over water usage in already water-scarce communities. Local residents and government entities have expressed worries about the projects' impact on the region's limited water resources.
Two proposed data centers in Kern County, California, are facing growing scrutiny and opposition, primarily due to concerns about their potential water consumption in the arid region. One facility is planned for Inyokern, while another is under consideration near Taft.
Since May, the proposed Inyokern data center has drawn pushback from residents and local officials over its expected water usage for cooling. Jennifer Slayton, a Ridgecrest local, highlighted that the Indian Wells Valley is classified as being in "critical overdraft," using more water than is naturally replenished. Ridgecrest City Councilman Skip Gorman noted that the City of Ridgecrest, the China Lake Naval Base, and the Sierra Sands Unified School District have all submitted letters of concern to the California Energy Commission.
The newly proposed data center near Taft has sparked similar questions about water availability. Chief Meteorologist Ilya Neyman pointed out that Taft, located in the South Valley portion of Kern County, receives an average of only six inches of rain annually, characterizing the area as a desert environment. Opposition to both projects is ongoing, fueled by worries about compounding the region's existing water challenges.