The Imperial Data Center project, proposed by Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC and set to be the largest data center in California, has faced significant backlash in Imperial County, leading local leaders to challenge its development through lawsuits, proposed regulations, and a ballot measure. Recently, the county supervisors declared a 45-day moratorium on data centers, citing residents’ concerns over environmental and public health impacts, particularly regarding air quality and water use in a region that relies entirely on the Colorado River—already facing shortages. State Sen. Steve Padilla has introduced bills aimed at regulating such projects, seeking stricter oversight and ensuring that data centers do not exacerbate existing issues, placing the unfolding conflict within a broader context of statewide opposition to similar facilities.
Gina Ferazzi: Gina Ferazzi is a photojournalist whose work has appeared in California-focused news outlets including CalMatters. She provided the photography accompanying the article on the Imperial Data Center controversy.
State Sen. Steve Padilla: State Sen. Steve Padilla is a California Democrat representing San Diego who serves on legislative committees addressing environmental and energy issues. He has introduced multiple bills targeting data center construction, including measures to reform air quality oversight in Imperial County and impose statewide environmental and energy safeguards. Padilla has been a leading critic of the Imperial Data Center project, calling for thorough reviews and public input.
Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC: Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, LLC is the parent company developing the Imperial Data Center, a planned hyperscale facility in rural Southern California focused on advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning operations. The company has pursued land approvals and water rights for the project amid local opposition. It is actively litigating against recent county actions pausing data center development.
Regulation: State Sen. Steve Padilla’s bills regulating data center energy use, air quality oversight, and environmental reviews have passed the California Senate and await Assembly votes.
Water Resources: Imperial County relies entirely on the Colorado River for water and faces ongoing shortages, making projected data center water demands a central point of contention in project reviews.
Local Opposition: Communities across California are pushing back against data center projects through lawsuits, moratoriums, and ballot measures, with Monterey Park becoming the first U.S. city to enact such a ban this month.