Inyokern Airport joins opposition to proposed data center, citing community impacts
A proposed data center in Inyokern, California, is facing significant opposition from the Inyokern Airport and China Lake Naval Base due to concerns about aviation safety, navigable airspace, and thermal plumes from cooling systems and diesel generators. The California Energy Commission is reviewing environmental impacts, particularly backup power generation and water concerns. Kern County will conduct its own permitting process, including public hearings, for the final decision.
A proposed data center in Inyokern, Kern County, California, is facing significant opposition from local institutions and community members. Both the Inyokern Airport and the China Lake Naval Base have formally expressed concerns regarding the project's potential impacts. The Inyokern Airport sent a letter to the Kern County Board of Supervisors, the Kern County Planning and Natural Resource Department, and the California Energy Commission (CEC), citing potential hazards to aviation safety and navigable airspace.
The China Lake Naval Base independently submitted a letter of concern, highlighting that the facility's cooling system and 40 diesel generators would produce a considerable thermal plume. This plume, they warned, could be carried by prevailing winds over the NAWS China Lake Test Range, potentially interfering with military operations. Additionally, the project is seeking a small power plant exemption, which would limit the CEC's environmental review primarily to the backup power generation.
Tammy Boyer, representing a local citizens group, emphasized the community's concerns, particularly regarding water usage in the critically overdrafted area. She stressed the importance of a thorough review by the CEC, noting that while the community is not against data centers or AI, they question the suitability of the proposed location. The CEC has issued a 30-page data request to the developer and is encouraging public input as it analyzes the project's backup generation. Ultimately, Kern County officials stated that the final decision on the project's permits will rest with the county after the CEC completes its initial review, which will include public hearings.