Ridgecrest residents oppose proposed data center; labor groups express support
Residents in Ridgecrest and Inyokern, California, are actively opposing a proposed data center project by R&L Capital Inc., primarily citing concerns over its substantial water usage in a drought-stricken region, as well as potential environmental impacts and decreased property values. Despite support from labor groups who highlight job creation and tax revenue, the community continues to urge the Ridgecrest City Council and the California Energy Commission to reject the development.
Residents of Ridgecrest and Inyokern, California, located in Kern County, are engaged in significant opposition against the proposed RB Inyokern Data Center project, developed by R&L Capital Inc. The primary concern revolves around the facility's projected annual water consumption of 12 to 16 million gallons from the already scarce Indian Wells Valley groundwater Basin, which also supplies the community's drinking water. Environmental impacts, including water quality, aesthetics, noise, odors, and potential decreases in property values, were also raised during a recent Ridgecrest City Council meeting. Councilmember Kyle Blades acknowledged these "national conversation" concerns and suggested that while some issues might be mitigated through zoning, "real hard conversations" are necessary.
Sean Hungerford, attorney for R&L Capital Inc., described the developer as a local company, not a "Wall Street hedge fund," and affirmed their commitment to the region, citing their prior development of the Inyokern solar project. R&L Capital projects the 99-megawatt "AI-ready" data center will generate over $6 million in annual tax revenue and create 1,600 temporary construction jobs and 60 full-time positions. This economic argument garnered support from individuals like John Escobedo and Rene Palacios of the Ironworkers Union Local 433, who emphasized the creation of well-paying, union-supported jobs.
However, Ridgecrest native Dana Thompson voiced strong opposition, stating that despite usually supporting local economic development, the reported negative impacts of data centers in other communities outweigh the promised benefits. James Wecker, a long-term Inyokern resident, echoed these sentiments, warning against environmental and economic waste. The California Energy Commission is currently conducting a completeness review of R&L Capital's application and their request for a small power plant exemption, with a decision on the application's completeness expected by June 11, followed by a 180-day recommendation period.