Coachella moves closer to permanent data center ban as it approves moratorium and terminates agreement with developer

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella City Council unanimously approved a 45-day temporary moratorium on data centers as the city moves closer towards a permanent ban.

The move came after months of public pushback on a data center project at Avenue 52 and Filmore Street.

Council members also approved terminating the agreement with Stronghold Power, the private developers behind the controversial project.

The Urgency Ordinance No. 1229 was unanimously approved during Thursday's meeting. It establishes the moratorium and allows a 45-day period for the council to examine data center impacts and develop further ordinances against the project.

Council member Denise Delgado says the permanent ban will come in the form of multiple ordinances packaged under one ordiance to ban data centers.

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

Hours of public comment continued tonight, with the large majority of speakers calling for a permanent ban. The council directed city staff to bring forward a permanent ban ordinance within 45 days.

For residents, it's a victory in a months-long battle against the project. Many have claimed detrimental impacts to the city and surrounding areas, due to air, noise and water pollution.

Congressman Raul Ruiz also speaking out against the project Thursday, submitting a formal letter urging the council to take action.

"We'd like to send a very clear message that I unequivocally oppose the proposed data center in the city of Coachella. It raises costs. It would worsen the health of, especially our vulnerable populations and for the neighborhoods living near there. So, I urge the local officials to do whatever they can to prevent it from happening," Congressman Ruiz said.

The City Council will reconvene in July, 10 days before the moratorium is over, to examine a permanent ban ordinance.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.