Hundreds Protest Proposed Coachella Data Center Project at Packed City Council Meeting

Hundreds of residents packed the Coachella City Council meeting tonight to protest a controversial proposed data center project planned near Avenue 52 and Fillmore Street in Coachella.

The proposal, backed by Stronghold Power, would span more than 400 acres and include six separate data centers, potentially making it one of the largest developments of its kind in California.

Residents from across the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City, filled council chambers and joined virtually through Zoom to voice concerns over the project’s potential environmental, health, and infrastructure impacts. Some community members accused city leaders of using the project as a financial solution that could negatively affect future generations.

Earlier in the evening, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies were called in to provide backup after crowds inside the chambers became increasingly vocal while representatives from Stronghold Power addressed the council. Deputies later escorted company representatives through a rear exit for safety purposes. No arrests or injuries were reported.

Residents opposed to the proposal say they are concerned about water usage, energy demands, air quality, and long-term effects on underserved communities. Several attendees also signed petitions calling for the city to ban data centers altogether.

Stronghold Power representatives defended the proposal, saying the project could bring jobs, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing opportunities to the region. Company officials also emphasized that no environmental review has yet been completed and no formal project approval has been granted.

City officials confirmed that no environmental impact report has started and no final decision has been made on the proposed development.