Coachella Residents Confront Developers Over Massive Proposed Data Center at Heated Town Hall

Dozens of frustrated residents gathered at a town hall meeting in Coachella, California, to confront Stronghold Power Systems regarding its proposed 240-acre "Technology Campus," which includes six data centers and a 270-300 megawatt capacity. Residents expressed significant concerns about the project's environmental impact, particularly water scarcity given the persistent drought and the proposed facility's reliance on the Colorado River. They also raised fears about rising utility costs due to the data centers' massive energy demands, increased heat, and potential air pollution from backup diesel generators in an already sweltering desert environment. The proposed site's proximity to residential mobile home parks and a local elementary school further amplified community opposition. Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa attended the meeting, acknowledging the need for clarity on development agreements and terms like "Municipal Utility Center," which some residents and officials believe obscure the project's true impact. The controversy is compounded by Stronghold Power's past campaign donations to former Mayor Steven Hernandez. The project requires a full environmental impact report before any final approval, with a significant divide remaining between the city's economic development goals and residents' environmental and quality-of-life concerns.