Coachella inches toward ban on data centers with final vote expected at the end of the month

The Coachella City Council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit large-scale data centers citywide, with a final vote expected by the end of the month. This decision comes after public scrutiny and concerns raised by planning staff regarding the Coachella Valley's strained water supply, electrical infrastructure, noise, water pollution, and impacts on emergency response.

Kendra Reif, Coachella’s community development director, stated that the city aims to preserve industrial land for uses that provide greater job creation and community benefits. The proposed ordinance includes exceptions for small-scale data centers for essential equipment. This action follows the council's earlier decision to impose a 45-day moratorium on data centers in June, which was later extended through June 2027, and the termination of an agreement with Stronghold Power Systems for a technology campus that could have included up to six data centers.

Residents have consistently mobilized against data centers, advocating for a permanent ban and urging the council to place the issue on the ballot for voter approval, similar to Monterey Park. Council members, including Denise Delgado and Mayor Frank Figueroa, acknowledged community frustrations and took ownership of past decisions, expressing a commitment to rebuilding trust. Figueroa supports putting the ban before voters, pending a cost and timeline assessment.

Neighboring cities, Indio and Desert Hot Springs, have also approved moratoriums on data centers as they consider their own potential bans.