California Today

Calipatria City Council Approves Data Center Moratorium Amid Recall Notices

13 May 2026 16:00

The Calipatria City Council voted unanimously to approve a moratorium on large-scale data center developments, aiming to assess environmental and infrastructure impacts. This decision came during a tense meeting where three council members were served recall notices by a local resident.

The moratorium will pause new high-energy-demand facilities while city staff refine the ordinance. Despite the political tension, the council passed the freeze without dissent.

- The council voted 4-0 to implement a strategic pause on data center projects. - Three council members, including the mayor, received recall notices during the meeting.

- The moratorium aims to analyze strain on power grids, water supplies, and environmental resources. - The ordinance will move to a formal public hearing for final language refinement.

The moratorium reflects growing concerns over rapid AI-driven data center expansion in the region, balancing development with sustainability.

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CalipatriapoliticsenvironmenttechnologyinfrastructureImperial CountyLocal