Imperial County supervisors seek voter decision on data center ban
Two Imperial County supervisors want a ballot measure that would let voters ban data center projects on unincorporated county land. The board did not take formal action, and other supervisors said they prefer waiting for a new advisory committee's recommendations in January. The supervisors also unanimously reinstated a temporary moratorium after a court struck down the previous freeze.
Two supervisors, Jesus Eduardo Escobar and Martha Cardenas-Singh, backed a possible countywide vote to prohibit data centers on unincorporated Imperial County land. The board took no formal action; three colleagues preferred waiting for a new advisory committee's January recommendations. One supervisor called the proposal premature.
Separately, supervisors unanimously renewed an emergency data center freeze after a court invalidated the earlier one. Earlier this year, residents proposed a November ban that would also have canceled approved projects, citing power, water, and generator emissions. A developer's lawsuit against the registrar led proponents to withdraw, citing legal costs.
If the proposal advances, voters in unincorporated Imperial County could gain a direct say over large computing facilities, while developers may face prolonged uncertainty. County leaders could also confront legal and fiscal questions. Residents worried about water, energy, and air quality may see the debate move from board meetings to the ballot, though any outcome could still be contested in court.