Eastern Kern residents press supervisors to oppose Ridgecrest AI centers
Residents from the Ridgecrest area asked the Kern County Board of Supervisors to oppose two proposed AI data centers, citing water and growth concerns.
Eastern Kern residents press supervisors to oppose Ridgecrest AI centers
Key Takeaways
- Ridgecrest-area residents urged supervisors to oppose two proposed AI data centers near town.
- The projects are proposed by R&L Capital, raising concerns about water and resource use.
- Supervisors said they’re limited while the proposals are under review and cited due process.
- No decision has been announced as residents push for stronger development standards.
Jennifer Slayton stepped to the mic and asked the Kern County Board of Supervisors to draw a line. She said two artificial intelligence data centers proposed near Ridgecrest could open the door to many more. And with them, real questions about water and growth for a part of the county that watches both closely.
That’s why it mattered in Bakersfield and up Highway 14. The rules the board sets now will shape how future data-center deals get handled across Kern County, not just outside Ridgecrest.
What residents asked for
Several speakers from eastern Kern and neighboring Inyo County asked the supervisors to oppose or slow the projects and set clearer standards for big computing facilities. Slayton told the board, "Our residents and community share the same concerns as those across the state and nation about the massive external impacts that this will have." She said the Ridgecrest proposals could set a precedent countywide.
Another resident brought it back to basics. The person said Mojave’s tap water is already hard to drink without extra treatment, and questioned adding large power and cooling demands. The point landed because it was plain.
A hot wind out of the desert pushed 96 degrees by midafternoon.
Who is proposing the sites
The two data centers were outlined by R&L Capital, according to residents who addressed the board. Public commenters didn’t get into square footage or megawatt counts, and R&L didn’t speak at the meeting. What they did stress was the cumulative effect if similar projects line up behind these first two.
Residents asked the county to write stronger design guidelines, minimum standards, and clearer expectations before any approvals. "I’m really hoping that they focus on the fact that we need good design planning, good guidelines, and minimum standards," Slayton said.
What supervisors said
Supervisors acknowledged the concerns but said they’re limited while the proposals remain under review. "We want to preserve the due process and not get involved because of due process at this time," a board representative said.
One supervisor added that the county’s program committee is tracking the issue and its countywide implications, noting that Supervisor Flores is part of that group. The comments signaled awareness without making promises on a timeline or an up-or-down vote. No vote yet.
For now, residents say they’ll keep showing up and asking for standards the county can enforce before the next application lands. "Really, our county planning department and Board of Supervisors need to be protecting our community while also being business friendly," Slayton said.
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