Residents protest proposed data center to be built in Inyokern area
News Clip1:10KGET News·Inyokern, Kern County, CA·5/12/2026
Residents in Inyokern and Ridgecrest are protesting a proposed data center in Inyokern due to concerns over significant water usage in a desert environment, environmental impact, energy consumption, and noise. They are urging Ridgecrest councilmembers to formally oppose the project, which developers claim will bring economic benefits to Kern County. The council is set to discuss the issue further in early June.
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Gov: Ridgecrest City Council
Residents are protesting a proposed AI-driven data center in the Inyokern area of Kern County, California, urging Ridgecrest city councilmembers to formally oppose the project. The "R-B Inyokern Data Center" is planned near the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and State Route 178.
Concerns voiced by residents at a recent Ridgecrest city council meeting include the facility's high water usage in an already water-limited desert ecosystem, its environmental footprint, high energy consumption, potential noise pollution, and a possible decrease in property values. Project developers assert that the data center will benefit Kern County's economy and boost employment. The Ridgecrest City Council is expected to discuss the matter further in early June.