Desert Hot Springs extends temporary ban on new data centers, calls for more research
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Desert Hot Springs city council unanimously voted Tuesday to extend its temporary moratorium on new data centers, saying the city needs more time to study the potential impacts before deciding whether the facilities should be allowed.
The extension prevents the city from accepting or approving permits, licenses and other development applications for new data centers and similar high-intensity computing facilities while staff conducts additional research.
The vote comes as data centers continue to spark debate across the Coachella Valley. Earlier this year, a proposed project in Coachella drew widespread public opposition over concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise and environmental impacts.
Tuesday's meeting drew residents who applauded the council's decision.
"I think a lot of data centers target communities like ours," said one resident. "Our community is more disenfranchised, people vote less, have less political power... I think we've seen a lot of support and activism around data centers."
Mayor Scott Matas emphasized that Desert Hot Springs is not currently considering a specific data center proposal.
"This is much different than what Coachella went through," Matas said. "We don't have a specific project, but I understand the concerns from the community."
He proposed sending the issue back to the Planning Commission for a thorough review that would include researching both the benefits and concerns surrounding data centers, working with local agencies and groups, and documenting those findings before the council considers any long-term policy.
"There's a lot of good arguments out there," Matas said. "If we work with our water district, power company, residents on both sides of the aisle and find out where the facts really lie... then we'll be able to support saying no... or has technology in two years gotten better? We don't know that until we do this study."
City officials say the city's current zoning regulations do not adequately address issues unique to data centers, including electricity demand, water use for cooling, backup power systems, infrastructure capacity, noise, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.
Some residents argued the research will reinforce concerns that data centers are not a good fit for Desert Hot Springs.
"The desert, we already have too little water, we have too little electricity, and we have too many environmental concerns," said a resident. "Data centers aren't going to create those sorts of jobs... it's not going to be beneficial to our community."
The moratorium will remain in effect for up to 22 months and 15 days, bringing the city's total moratorium period to two years while officials complete their review.
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