Imperial County moves to seat data center panel while weighing moratorium extension
Imperial County is considering a 10-month extension to its temporary moratorium on new data centers while simultaneously establishing a new Data Center Advisory Committee. This comes as the county grapples with balancing agricultural interests, water rights, and a vulnerable electrical grid with the demands of the tech industry. Additionally, the City and County of Imperial are involved in litigation regarding a data center proposal by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing.
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is moving to establish a new 11-member Imperial County Data Center Advisory Committee while simultaneously weighing a 10-month extension on its temporary moratorium for new data center facilities in unincorporated areas. Chairwoman Peggy Price requested the board initiate the appointment process for the committee, which was established last month under Resolution No. 2026-105 to ensure future tech development aligns with community terms and interests. Supervisors Jesús Eduardo Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh voted against some committee appointees, and a representative from the Imperial Irrigation District was added to the panel.
The board also approved the committee's foundational bylaws. Immediately following these discussions, Chairwoman Price led a public hearing to consider an Urgency Interim Ordinance to extend the temporary moratorium on data centers for an additional 10 months and 15 days. This 'freeze' is intended to provide the county with time to study infrastructure impacts, draft robust zoning laws, and ensure community benefits, as data centers are known for high electricity and water consumption, which are critical concerns for the region's Colorado River water rights and electrical grid.
Adding another layer of complexity, the City of Imperial and the County of Imperial are currently engaged in litigation concerning a data center project proposed by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing. The city alleges that the county violated environmental laws in permitting the project. County Counsel Geoffrey Holbrook clarified that the proposed moratorium extension does not apply to any specific project.