Visalia, Tulare County consider data center moratoriums this week
Tulare County and Visalia are considering temporary moratoriums on data center development due to concerns about water and power demands, while the city of Tulare has declined to pursue a similar ban. Community groups are actively opposing a project by Global Stack at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, citing environmental and resource strain.
Tulare County and the city of Visalia, California, are set to debate proposed temporary moratoriums on new data center developments this week, driven by growing concerns over significant water and electricity demands in the South Valley region. The Tulare County Board of Supervisors will consider a 45-day urgency moratorium for unincorporated areas, while the Visalia City Council plans to discuss a similar measure within city limits, at the request of Councilmember Brian Poochigian. Poochigian’s proposal seeks to evaluate existing regulations and explore policy options, noting that high-intensity uses like data centers could deplete resources and impede other economic development.
In contrast, the city of Tulare has opted not to engage in the debate, with its council voting down a motion by Councilmember Jose Sigala to discuss a specific project. This comes as Global Stack, a data center developer, has an active proposal for a "small" facility at the Tulare County Fairgrounds, a project that is also drawing local opposition.
Community groups, including Power California, Loud for Tomorrow, and the Dolores Huerta Foundation, are organizing a rally against the Global Stack proposal at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. Speakers such as Citlalli Caratachea, Rosanai Paniagua, Amy Lopez, and Amy Wilkinson are expected to voice concerns over potential air, water, and noise pollution, strain on the regional power grid, and rising utility rates. Opponents also highlight the region's high poverty rates, arguing that such projects are not beneficial.