New data center moratorium replaces the old; possible ballot measure on the horizon

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors repealed and set aside two existing data center moratorium ordinances after the Imperial County Superior Court issued a peremptory writ of mandate in a case brought by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturers, LLC. The county said it would stop enforcing the prior moratorium while adopting a replacement interim ordinance under California Government Code Section 65858.

Supervisors also discussed whether to seek voter approval of a future data center ballot measure. County staff estimated a special election would cost roughly $500,000, while supervisors and members of the county’s data center advisory committee debated public participation, the committee’s work and the county’s future development direction. Public comments largely supported allowing residents to decide the issue at the ballot box.