Coachella data center returns to council after February pause

NBC Palm Springs: Stronghold Power's proposed Coachella data center returned to the city council agenda Tuesday night, its first hearing since February. Residents filled the chambers for public comment, and opponents gathered outside with signs over environmental, health, water, and energy impacts.

The fight has pulled hundreds to meetings and town halls in recent weeks. Local realtor Elizabeth Humphries launched NotInMyValley.com to organize the opposition and centralize information for residents; Stronghold countered with its own site laying out the project's benefits and answering concerns. Opponents argue the environmental and infrastructure costs could outweigh any local economic gain.