Coachella approves 45-day data center moratorium, moves closer to permanent ban

Update 6/4/26 - 9:00 p.m.

The city council unanimously passed a 45-day moratorium on data centers. The moratorium goes into effect immediately.

The council discussed a permanent ban, which several speakers called for during public comment. The council directed staff to bring forward the permanent ban within the 45 days.

Original Report 6/4/26 - 3:05 p.m.

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - Coachella City Council will vote on a proposed 45-day temporary moratorium on data center, after months of public pushback on a data center project at Avenue 52 and Filmore Street.

City Council discussed the moratorium last Wednesday, following hours of public comment that drew the meeting out until 1 a.m.

The Urgency Ordinance No. 1229 would establish the moratorium and allow a 45-day period for council to examine data center impacts and develop further ordinances against the project.

Still, some residents say they'd rather have a permanent ban ordinance passed, rather than more time given to a moratorium.

Council Member Denise Delgado argues a permanent ban could put the city at risk of legal trouble for discrimination, and has advocated instead for a package of ordinances passed addressing water use, power rates and other environmental impacts.

Delgado claims that package would effectively serve as a long term ban.

However, residents say that leaves the city vulnerable to other projects and loopholes for development.

A large group is expected at Thursday's meeting to share public comment and push the city towards a permanent ban ordinance.

Stay tuned this evening for the latest live coverage from the meeting.