AI data center proposal draws opposition from Kern County residents

Residents in Eastern Kern County, California, are vehemently opposing a proposed 99-megawatt artificial intelligence data center in Inyokern. The "RB Inyokern Data Center" project, situated near the intersection of Highway 395 and State Route 178 and six miles from Ridgecrest, has drawn heated criticism from local community members. Dozens of residents attended a recent Ridgecrest City Council meeting to express their concerns. Daniel Meal, a Ridgecrest resident, articulated the primary objections, stating that the data center would not benefit the area due to anticipated noise, pollution, and increased costs for water and electricity. He highlighted worries about a stressed water supply and the significant power demands of the 99-megawatt facility impacting utility bills. The proposed data center project is still in its preliminary stages, with its application currently under review by the California Energy Commission. A final decision on its approval is pending.