Imperial moves toward moratorium on hyperscale data centers
The Imperial City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to move forward with a moratorium on hyperscale data centers within city limits. This decision follows similar actions by neighboring cities Calipatria and Brawley and aims to provide time for further review and discussion before final decisions are made on data center development. Formal approval of the proposed moratorium is expected on June 3rd.
The Imperial City Council has unanimously voted to pursue a moratorium on hyperscale data centers within the city, making Imperial the third city in the region in two weeks to consider or approve a pause on such large-scale developments.
The 4-0 vote directs city staff to prepare a formal moratorium proposal, which is expected to come before the council for final approval on June 3rd. City leaders emphasized that the moratorium is not a definitive decision against data centers but rather a temporary halt to allow for more comprehensive review and discussion.
This move follows similar actions taken by the cities of Calipatria and Brawley, reflecting a broader regional consideration of data center impacts. Council members expressed a desire to protect residents' interests, referencing past legal actions and a commitment to address potential gray areas in development.