CRC proposed large data center outside of Taft

California Resource Corporation (CRC) and Beacon Data Centers have officially filed a proposal for a 600,000 square foot data center, named Golden Valley, to be constructed in the Elk Hills oil field, approximately eight miles from Taft, California. The project aims to harness California's technology demand and provide low-latency data storage for businesses and individuals, according to Beacon Data Centers.

The proposal comes amidst national scrutiny of data centers, with communities expressing outrage over potential environmental impacts. Vincent Demonte of 17 News reported from the CRC headquarters, where the company emphasized its commitment to preemptively designing the facility to mitigate concerns. CRC representative Chris Gould highlighted that the data center will utilize a closed-loop water circuit, recycling water and using an amount equivalent to one-third of a swimming pool. It will also generate its own power to avoid straining the local grid and will incorporate sound barriers to reduce noise pollution.

Despite these assurances, community opposition persists. Residents of Taft, Buttonwillow, and Maricopa have attended multiple listening sessions held by CRC, and a community letter opposing the project has gathered nearly 150 signatures. Over a dozen individuals expressed direct opposition to any proposed data center, regardless of the company's efforts to address concerns.

The Golden Valley data center project now moves into the permitting process, requiring several more steps before construction can officially begin.