Data center proposed in Inyokern draws water, other concerns in east Kern

A proposed 99-megawatt data center, the RB Inyokern Data Center, has sparked considerable community concern in eastern Kern County, California, primarily over its potential impact on local water supplies and quality of life. The facility, developed by Trona-based R&L Capital Inc., would be a 238,000-square-foot building intended to support artificial intelligence operations. During a recent Ridgecrest City Council meeting, residents raised objections to the project, citing fears of excessive water usage, noise, heat, and light pollution. Opponents have submitted numerous letters to the California Energy Commission, arguing that the facility's water consumption could significantly strain the region's already overdrafted groundwater basin, potentially using up to 1,822 acre-feet per year, far exceeding the developer's claim of 50 acre-feet. While R&L Capital Inc. touts a "highly efficient hybrid cooling system" and economic benefits, including 30-60 permanent jobs and over $6 million in annual property tax revenue, these assurances have not quelled public apprehension. The project is currently undergoing parallel reviews by Kern County for a conditional use permit and by the California Energy Commission due to its planned 99-megawatt diesel-powered backup generation facility. The Energy Commission's review will include a full environmental assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), examining water, land use, and air quality impacts. Despite the ongoing opposition, Kern County Supervisor Phillip Peters stated that nothing official has yet been submitted to either the county board or the local groundwater authority.