West Shores Council Urges Moratorium and Ban on Data Centers in Imperial County

-Editorial 

On April 27, the West Shores Advisory Council and Committee adopted a resolution advising the Imperial County Board of Supervisors to enact an immediate moratorium and a permanent ban on large-scale data center development in Imperial County, citing concerns over water use, energy demand, environmental impacts, and public participation.

The council, which represents communities including Salton City, Desert Shores, Vista Del Mar, and Salton Sea Beach, voted to recommend halting all data center permitting and approvals in unincorporated areas until a comprehensive review of potential impacts is completed.

The resolution outlines concerns about water resources in one of the most arid regions of the United States. It references a proposed data center project near the city of Imperial that could use an estimated 750,000 gallons of water per day, as well as a separate proposal that would convert hundreds of acres of farmland for similar use. The council noted ongoing strain on the Colorado River system and the continued decline of the Salton Sea, raising questions about long-term water availability and competing demands.

Energy use was also cited as a major concern. According to the resolution, one proposed facility could consume nearly double the electricity used by all of Imperial County in 2024. The project would require major infrastructure, including a large electrical substation, battery storage systems, and more than 100 diesel-powered backup generators. The council expressed concern about potential impacts on the local power grid, electricity costs, and air quality.

The resolution highlights public health conditions in Imperial County, including higher-than-average childhood asthma rates and existing air quality challenges linked to dust from the receding Salton Sea. Council members said additional emissions from diesel generators, increased truck traffic, and industrial activity could worsen conditions in already vulnerable communities.

Environmental justice considerations are also central to the council’s position. The resolution states that several communities in the region rank among the most environmentally burdened in California and could face disproportionate impacts from large-scale industrial development.

The council also raised concerns about the level of environmental review for proposed projects. It noted that one developer has sought to move forward through a streamlined approval process that would not require a full environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act. The Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a lot merger related to the project earlier this month without requiring such a review, according to the resolution. A legal challenge has since been filed by the city of Imperial.

In addition, the resolution references public opposition to data center proposals, including a petition with more than 2,000 signatures and formal objections from local governments and community organizations.

Concerns about economic benefits were also addressed. While developers have cited potential tax revenue and construction jobs, the council noted that data centers typically employ relatively small permanent workforces compared to their scale and resource use. The resolution also raises questions about transparency, including the identity of end users associated with at least one proposed project.

The measure further addresses issues related to public participation, citing reports that residents were unable to access a recent Board of Supervisors meeting due to capacity limits and that some attendees were removed by law enforcement. The council stated that public access and participation should be ensured in future land-use decisions.

Agricultural land use and community character were also cited as concerns. The resolution notes that Imperial County is a major agricultural producer and that conversion of farmland to industrial uses could have long-term economic and environmental consequences. It also states that large-scale data centers are inconsistent with the rural and residential character outlined in existing community plans for the West Shores area.

As part of its recommendations, the council is calling for an immediate moratorium on all data center development in unincorporated Imperial County and a permanent prohibition on large-scale facilities. It also urges county officials to require full environmental impact reviews for any proposed data centers, amend planning documents to prohibit such uses in multiple zoning categories, and protect water resources for agricultural, residential, and Salton Sea restoration purposes.

Additional recommendations include commissioning an independent study of cumulative impacts on water, energy, air quality, and public health, and ensuring full public access to future hearings on major land-use decisions.

The resolution will be transmitted to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, state officials, and relevant agencies for consideration.

Council members said the measure reflects concerns from West Shores residents about balancing economic development with long-term resource protection and community well-being.