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A proposed one-million-square-foot data center in Imperial Valley is generating controversy due to its expected environmental impact, potentially consuming nearly double the electricity of Imperial County in 2024 and requiring 750,000 gallons of water daily. Developer Sebastian Rucci aims to bypass the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by classifying the facility as a ministerial project, which would exempt it from environmental review.

Despite claims of economic benefits and reduced environmental impact, residents fear the project will strain local resources. Rucci's past includes criminal investigations and legal complaints related to previous ventures, although he disputes these allegations.

The Imperial Irrigation District has yet to clarify how the data center will affect energy prices, and while Rucci claims to have an agreement for reclaimed water, local officials deny formal approval. The Imperial County Planning Commission recently rejected a necessary lot merger, but Rucci has appealed the decision.