Imperial County voters face legal challenge over proposed data center ban

A lawsuit has been filed in Imperial County Superior Court by a group of Imperial County residents and property owners, including Tom Dubose, Kevin Smith, Ryan Dickerson, Daryl Dickerson, and Carl Stills, against the County of Imperial and Registrar of Voters Linsey Dale. The suit aims to prevent a proposed ballot initiative, the "Imperial County Data Center Prohibition Act," from appearing on the ballot or being processed. The initiative, championed by proponents like Kristian Salgado, Francisco Leal, Christopher Scurries, James Tison, and Jacob Rodriguez, seeks to amend the county's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance to prohibit data centers drawing five megawatts or more of power or occupying significant acreage. Supporters raise concerns about massive water consumption, impacts on the agricultural economy, strain on the Imperial Irrigation District power grid, diesel generator emissions, and exacerbated Salton Sea dust issues. Petitioners, represented by attorney Sebastian Rucci, argue the initiative is "facially defective" on at least seven grounds and request a writ of mandate to halt its processing. They contend that pre-election judicial review is appropriate given the clear defects. The initiative was submitted around April 2 amid growing interest in data centers in the Imperial Valley, which offers available land, power infrastructure, and lower costs. No court hearing date has been set for the legal challenge, which further complicates the county's discussions on balancing economic development with water security, agricultural preservation, and environmental protection.