Indio passes 45-day moratorium on data centers

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) - The Indio City Council unanimously passed a 45-day moratorium on data centers during Wednesday's meeting.

The urgency ordinance was discussed near the end of the meeting.

"This moratorium will give staff time to present on the issue to our Planning Commission on June 24th, and then back to our City Council on July 15th, to consider our options moving forward including regulations, a long-term moratorium, or a permanent ban on data centers," Councilmember Oscar Ortiz wrote on a social media post.

The city noted in a social media post on Thursday that there are currently no active applications for data center projects within Indio.

"The moratorium will provide staff with time to further study the issue and engage in a public review process and land use analysis required by state law. Staff is scheduled to present information and policy options to the Planning Commission on June 24, followed by a discussion with the City Council on July 15.

As part of that process, the City will evaluate potential next steps, which may include developing very strict regulations for data centers, extending the moratorium, or considering a permanent prohibition on data center uses within the city."

- City of Indio Facebook Post

Ortiz had requested the item during the May 6 meeting. It comes after months of controversy over a data center project in Coachella that sparked large protests during several council meetings.

Assistant City Manager Jonathan said, “We've heard some concerns from residents regarding data centers. That's why we want to take a thoughtful approach, get more information, and be educated on the impacts of what a data center could be."

During last week's meeting, Coachella councilmembers discussed approving its own moratorium on data centers and similar projects. The council will vote on the city's own moratorium on Thursday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.