Two Imperial County supervisors press for special election on data centers
Two Imperial County supervisors are seeking support for a potential ballot measure that would let voters ban data centers on unincorporated county land. The Board of Supervisors also unanimously approved a new temporary moratorium after a court struck down the county's previous freeze, citing risks to water supplies and energy production.
Imperial County supervisors Jesus Eduardo Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh said they want voters to decide whether data centers should be banned on unincorporated county land, potentially through a special election or a future primary ballot. Other supervisors urged waiting for the county's data center advisory committee to complete its recommendations before pursuing a referendum.
The Board unanimously reinstated an emergency moratorium on data center projects while the county conducts its review. The action follows a ruling by Imperial County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Jones that blocked enforcement of the prior moratorium, as well as legal challenges involving a proposed nearly 1-million-square-foot complex near the city of Imperial. County Counsel Geoffrey Holbrook said the new ordinance relies on additional evidence concerning water, energy and environmental impacts.
The proposed project developer, Sebastian Rucci, previously challenged both the moratorium and related county approvals. Residents remain divided, with opponents citing pollution and resource concerns while supporters argue a project could generate substantial county revenue and jobs.