Coachella Extends Temporary Ban On Data Center Developments

COACHELLA, CA — A temporary ban on data center developments in Coachella remained in effect Thursday, and it will remain in place for another 10 months while the city weighs a possible permanent prohibition.

The Coachella City Council on Wednesday extend the ban by 10 months and 15 days. The council had originally imposed a 45-day moratorium on June 4.

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The original moratorium was aimed at providing city staff sufficient time to "consider permanently prohibiting data centers and related uses within the city," according to a staff report. The city Planning Commission will consider a proposed ordinance July 18 to possibly prohibit data centers in the city. The City Council is scheduled to review the proposal Aug. 12.

The city staff report stated that concerns have increased about the potential dangers of data centers, including impacts to electrical infrastructure and grid reliability, water supply and public health.

Following months of protests from community members throughout the Coachella Valley, the city recently withdrew its agreement with Stronghold Power Systems, the private developers behind a proposed data center project dubbed the Coachella Valley Technology Campus.