We, the undersigned residents of Inyokern, Ridgecrest, and the Indian Wells Valley in Kern County, strongly oppose the proposed RB Inyokern Data Center (RBIDC) by R&L Capital, Inc.
This 99 MW AI-ready data center on approximately 50 acres near the intersection of US Highway 395 and State Route 178 would include a 238,000 sq ft facility and 40 diesel-fired backup generators. While promoters highlight temporary construction jobs and tax revenue, the project poses serious risks to our community:
Water Strain: The facility's water demands could increase pumping by up to 50% for the Inyokern Community Services District in an already arid region facing water scarcity.
Noise and Air Pollution: Dozens of large diesel generators will generate significant noise and emissions during utility outages or peak demand.
Habitat Destruction: The development will disturb and indent critical desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) habitat in the Mojave Desert. The desert tortoise is a threatened species protected under state and federal law; any disruption requires rigorous review.
Environmental and Infrastructure Impacts: Potential strain on the local power grid, increased traffic, and other unaddressed cumulative effects on our desert ecosystem and quality of life.
Lack of Transparency and Review: The project requires a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under CEQA to properly assess long-term consequences on protected species, water, air, and residents, rather than streamlined approvals that bypass thorough community input.
We demand:
Immediate denial or pause of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and related approvals by Kern County.
A full, independent Environmental Impact Report before any further consideration, including detailed surveys and mitigation for desert tortoise habitat.
Transparent public hearings with meaningful opportunities for resident input.
Our community's water resources, air quality, protected wildlife habitat, peace, and future must not be sacrificed for short-term gains. We urge Kern County officials, the California Energy Commission, CDFW, USFWS, and all relevant agencies to prioritize residents and environmental protections over corporate interests.

Valley view ecaliptutus farms,Kent lynch 6492 brown rd.inyokern CA 93527