Related Articles
-Editorial
Imperial County residents woke up early Saturday, Jan. 10, to protest a proposed data center project planned for the city of Imperial, gathering at the intersection of Imperial Avenue and Main Street in El Centro to voice their opposition.
Protesters held signs and chanted as passing vehicles moved through the busy corridor. Participants said they are concerned about the potential environmental, infrastructure and quality-of-life impacts the project could have on the region.
The proposed data center has drawn increasing attention in recent weeks as public discussion around the project has intensified. Supporters of the development have said it could bring much-needed jobs and economic investment to the Imperial Valley, describing the project as an opportunity to diversify the local economy and attract new industries.
Opposition to the project, however, has continued to grow among residents of both the city of Imperial and other communities throughout Imperial County. Protesters on Saturday said the demonstration was intended to raise public awareness and urge local officials to more closely examine the project’s long-term consequences.
El Centro resident Jake Tison said the growing turnout at protests reflects deep concern for the community and the people who live in Imperial County.
“The people that are coming here are some of the most incredible people you could ever possibly imagine, some of the hardest-working and most educated people I’ve ever been around,” Tison said. “Coming together like this amplifies the message to the board. This is about concern for our community, for our children, for families, for our livelihood, for our air and our water.” Tison said he believes county officials should heed the city of Imperial’s legal challenge to the project. “The message to the board is, listen to the city of Imperial and vacate. If they would just vacate, this whole thing would go away,” he said, referencing recent lawsuits.
Tison said he is not opposed to technology or economic development but questioned whether large AI data centers are appropriate for the Imperial Valley at this time. “I think it’s possible for a data center to come to the valley in other areas, but you need to engineer it so it protects the land, the water, the air, and the Native American communities that have rights out here,” he said, citing environmental concerns and recent state requirements regarding tribal consultation. He added that the technology is still evolving.
“These AI data centers are in their infant stage. We haven’t really figured out how to do this without using so much water, without polluting the air, without giant backup generators. Right now, I don’t think anywhere in the Imperial Valley should be looking at putting a data center like this, at least not yet. Maybe in five or 10 years, but not right now.”
Christopher Scurries said much of the current debate centers on whether proper environmental and planning procedures were followed.
“The big conversation right now is CEQA violations,” Scurries said. “One of our ongoing questions is, if this project is so good for our community and if it’s going to provide all these jobs and bring in all this money, why wouldn’t they go through all the necessary proper channels to make sure residents are safe?” Scurries also questioned the reliance on decades-old zoning standards.
The California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA, is a state law that requires government agencies to study and publicly disclose the environmental impacts of proposed projects and, when possible, take steps to reduce harm before those projects are approved.
“Why would you justify 50-year-old zoning for a project that no one would have crossed their minds in 1970? Even if it were legal, which we don’t think it is, it’s inconsiderate. They’ve known about this for about a year and residents are just now finding out.”
El Centro resident Shleah Edwards urged county leaders to reconsider the project, saying residents want their concerns taken seriously. “My message to the county of Imperial is to listen to your constituents. We don’t want this,” Edwards said. “It’s not safe for the environment or for the community. There are so many negative impacts that could come upon us, from noise pollution and constant lighting to taking resources we’re already lacking, like water and electricity.” Edwards added that the region already faces infrastructure strain. “We’re already asked to turn off our power during the summer. Just imagine how much worse it could be with this data center. Please hear our voices and our pleas.”
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear an appeal by the applicant regarding the lot merger for the proposed data center at a future meeting in El Centro. The session will give board members a chance to review the appeal, consider legal and environmental concerns, and hear public input before making a decision on whether the merger and project can move forward.
