Imperial County Residents File Lawsuit Against Data Center Prohibition Initiative
Five residents of Imperial County have initiated legal action to prevent the 'Data Center Prohibition Act' from reaching voters. This initiative seeks to ban large-scale data centers, raising significant concerns about its broad implications for governance and local economic health.
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The 'Imperial County Data Center Prohibition Act' aims to prohibit facilities using five megawatts or more of power in unincorporated areas. Filed on April 30, 2026, the lawsuit contends the initiative is unconstitutionally broad, violating single-subject rules.
It combines a land-use ban with strict enforcement measures, including criminalizing certain administrative actions and allowing private citizens to sue local officials. The initiative's retroactivity clause is also under scrutiny, potentially affecting applications as early as April 2, 2026.
The legal challenge could significantly impact the region's ability to manage water resources amid concerns about public health and agricultural viability. Judge L. Brooks Anderholt will preside over the case, which may halt the initiative's progress.
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