About the Project
What Is the RB Inyokern Data Center?
The RB Inyokern Data Center is a proposed 99 Megawatt, 238,000 square-foot AI-ready data center campus located near Inyokern in Eastern Kern County. Designed for hyperscale and artificial intelligence workloads, the facility will feature 6 modular data halls with Tier III / Tier IV-ready redundancy, on-site solar canopy integration, and a highly efficient hybrid cooling system that minimizes water use.
Why Inyokern Needs This Now
Eastern Kern County is at a crossroads. The March 2026 Searles Valley Minerals WARN notice means 300+ jobs are leaving the Ridgecrest area. At the same time, AI is transforming every sector of California's economy — agriculture, energy, health care, logistics, and education.
This project replaces lost industry with stable, high-tech AI infrastructure careers. It brings $250M+ in construction spending, 530+ permanent jobs (direct and indirect), and $6M+ in annual tax revenue to local governments — all funded by the developer, with zero cost to taxpayers.
"Kern County has a choice: help build it, or be left out."
— Skylar Payne, Bakersfield Californian, April 2026
Economic Impact
Jobs and Revenue for Our Community
Nationally, data centers pay $26 in taxes for every $1 in public services they use. Here's what this project means for Ridgecrest and Eastern Kern County.
— Goldwater Institute, 2026
Construction Phase (3+ Year Build)
1,600+ Direct Construction Jobs
All work at California prevailing wage rates
$250M+ Total Economic Impact
Spent locally on labor, materials, and services
Permanent Operations (25-30 Years)
30-60 Direct Permanent Jobs
High-tech facility operations and management
530+ Total Permanent Jobs
Including indirect and induced employment
$6M+ Annual Tax Revenue
To local government, schools, and special districts
Data centers require more trades than almost any other construction project. All work at California prevailing wage rates.
Local Infrastructure
Funding Better Infrastructure for Our Communities
Property tax revenue from the data center flows directly to the special districts and community service districts that maintain roads, water systems, fire protection, and public services across the Indian Wells Valley. This means real improvements — funded by the project, not by taxpayers.
Inyokern CSD
Water infrastructure, community facilities, and local services for Inyokern residents.
Inyokern Airport
Regional airport operations, runway maintenance, and aviation infrastructure supporting local economic development.
Kern County Fire District
Fire protection, emergency response, and station improvements serving rural Eastern Kern.
Kern County Library District
Library services, community programs, and educational resources for local families.
Kern County Roads
Road maintenance, improvements, and infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Local School Districts
Sierra Sands USD and surrounding schools benefit from increased property tax allocations.
Nationally, data centers pay $26 in taxes for every $1 in public services they consume. The RB Inyokern Data Center will generate over $6 million annually in property tax revenue — flowing directly to the districts that serve Inyokern, Ridgecrest, and the surrounding communities.
Source: Goldwater Institute, 2026
Water Efficiency
97-98% Less Water Than Traditional Data Centers
We know water is precious in the Indian Wells Valley. That's why the RB Inyokern Data Center uses a highly efficient hybrid cooling system that operates primarily on dry cooling, with evaporative assist only during peak temperatures. The result: an estimated 37-49 Acre-Feet per year — comparable to a small commercial user.
~50 AFY
Estimated annual water use
<0.05%
Of U.S. freshwater used by all data centers
97-98%
Less water than traditional cooling towers
Sources: DOE, Trane Technologies (2026), Introl, KETOS, Güntner, AIRSYS, Uptime Institute. Goldwater Institute, 2026.
Environmental Responsibility
Built to Protect the Valley
Technical studies across all CEQA environmental categories are designed to avoid material impacts. A complete environmental application has been filed with the California Energy Commission.
Air Quality
Advanced controls including SCR, DPF, and DEF systems on all backup generators.
Water Efficiency
Efficient closed-loop hybrid cooling system, coordinated with local water district.
Land Use
Industrial M-2 zoning — fully compatible with data center use. No rezoning needed.
Renewable Energy
Solar canopy integration for on-site power generation, reducing grid dependency.
Regulatory Compliance
SPPE application filed with the CEC. CUP in process with Kern County.
Zero Taxpayer Cost
All infrastructure costs funded by the developer. Developer-funded upgrades benefit the community.
Why Here, Why Now
Kern County Is Open for Business
Across California, cities are banning or restricting data centers — Oakley, Monterey Park, LA County, and Sacramento. Kern County stands apart with a business-friendly environment, infrastructure readiness, and active utility coordination.
Site Advantages
- Direct proximity to SCE 115 kV substation
- MOS completed — no major downstream upgrades
- 99 MW capacity secured
- Industrial M-2 zoning — fully compatible
- Fiber proximity via Digital 395 corridor
- Will-Serve Letter (WSL) secured for water
Project Certainty
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in process with Kern County
- SPPE filing active with the California Energy Commission
- Site control secured
- Phased delivery supports flexible commissioning
- Target construction start: 2027
Economic Transition
Replacing What's Leaving
Searles Valley Minerals — once the region's largest private employer — is in decline. The RB Inyokern Data Center replaces those lost jobs with higher-paying, long-term careers in a growing industry.
Before: Searles Valley Minerals
- Declining operations and workforce reductions
- Heavy water user — 2,810 AF/yr from the basin
- ~$1.5M estimated annual property tax
- Uncertain long-term future
After: RB Inyokern Data Center
- 1,600+ construction jobs + 530+ permanent jobs
- Minimal water — just 49 AF/yr (98% less than Searles)
- $6M+ annual property tax revenue
- 25-30 year operational lifespan in a booming industry
Community Investment
Investing in Our Neighbors
This project isn't just about infrastructure — it's about strengthening the community that surrounds it. We are committed to local partnerships that create lasting value.
Local Workforce Priority
Construction and operations hiring will prioritize Inyokern, Ridgecrest, and IWV residents first.
STEM & Trades Scholarships
Partnerships with Cerro Coso Community College and Sierra Sands USD to fund technical training programs.
Community Sponsorships
Support for local events, youth programs, and community organizations across the Indian Wells Valley.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Developer-funded road, utility, and fire protection improvements that benefit the entire community.
Water Stewardship
Partnering with the Inyokern Community Services District (CSD) to support long-term water sustainability and infrastructure improvements for the community.
Long-Term Partnership
25-30 year operational commitment means decades of stable tax revenue, jobs, and community investment.
Property Values
Data Centers Increase Property Values
Nationwide research shows that data centers are good neighbors. They generate massive tax revenue, create minimal traffic, produce no pollution during normal operations, and increase surrounding property values.
$26 : $1
Tax Revenue to Services Ratio
Data centers pay $26 in taxes for every $1 in public services they consume — the highest ratio of any land use type.
— Goldwater Institute, 2026
+3-5%
Property Value Increase
Studies show residential property values within 1-2 miles of data centers typically increase due to improved infrastructure, lower tax burdens, and economic activity.
— CBRE & JLL Market Research
Unlike warehouses (heavy truck traffic), manufacturing (emissions), or retail (congestion), data centers are quiet, low-traffic, and high-value. They are the ideal neighbor for residential communities.
Common Questions
Your Questions, Answered
We've heard the community's questions and want to address them directly and honestly.
Will it be noisy?
No. Data centers are designed to meet strict noise ordinances. At the property line, sound levels will be comparable to a quiet conversation (45-55 dB). The facility is located in an industrial M-2 zone, well-separated from residential areas. Backup generators only run during rare grid outages or brief monthly testing.
Will it hurt my property values?
The opposite. Research from the Goldwater Institute, CBRE, and JLL shows data centers increase surrounding property values. They generate massive tax revenue ($6M+/yr), create no pollution during normal operations, produce minimal traffic, and fund infrastructure improvements that benefit the entire community.
What about traffic?
Minimal. Unlike a warehouse or distribution center with hundreds of daily truck trips, a data center has only 30-60 permanent employees on-site. During the 3+ year construction phase, construction traffic will use designated routes and follow a traffic management plan approved by Kern County.
Will it use too much water?
No. The RB Inyokern Data Center uses a highly efficient hybrid cooling system that requires only 37-49 Acre-Feet per year — just 0.23% of total basin pumping. That's 98% less than a traditional data center and 57x less than Searles Valley Minerals uses. A Will-Serve Letter has been secured from the local water provider.
Will it affect air quality?
No. During normal operations, the facility produces zero emissions. Backup diesel generators are equipped with SCR, DPF, and DEF emission control systems and only operate during rare power outages or brief monthly testing (typically less than 1 hour per month).
Who pays for the infrastructure upgrades?
The developer pays for everything — 100%. All road improvements, utility connections, fire protection upgrades, and site infrastructure are funded by the project, not taxpayers. The community gets the benefits (jobs, tax revenue, improved roads) without paying a dime.
What happens to the land if the project closes someday?
The site is zoned Industrial M-2 and will retain its infrastructure value. Data center campuses are highly desirable assets with 25-30 year lifespans, and technology upgrades extend that further. The land, buildings, and utility connections would remain valuable for any future industrial or technology use.
How many jobs will actually go to local residents?
We are committed to local hiring. Construction jobs (1,600+) will prioritize workers from Inyokern, Ridgecrest, and the Indian Wells Valley. Permanent operations roles (30-60 direct, 530+ total including indirect) will include training programs through Cerro Coso Community College to prepare local residents for high-tech careers.
Is this project actually going to happen?
Yes. The project has secured site control, completed the SCE Method of Service study, obtained a Will-Serve Letter for water, filed the SPPE application with the CEC (Docket 26-SPPE-01), and initiated the CUP process with Kern County. Target construction start is 2027.
Will it cause power outages or strain the grid?
No. The project is building dedicated utility infrastructure with SCE, including a new substation connection. This does not draw from existing residential capacity. The Method of Service study confirmed no major downstream upgrades are needed. The data center strengthens the local grid by funding infrastructure that benefits all ratepayers.
What if data centers become obsolete?
Every phone in your pocket is a remote control to a data center. As long as we use cloud services, stream video, run AI, send emails, or do anything online — data centers are the infrastructure that makes it all work. Demand for digital infrastructure is accelerating, not slowing. The technology inside will evolve, but the need for secure, powered facilities to house it isn't going away.
Setting the Record Straight
Myth vs. Fact
We understand there is misinformation circulating online regarding the project's environmental impact. Here are the facts drawn directly from our 3,000-page regulatory filing.
"The data center will drain the Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin and use massive amounts of water."
The facility uses a highly efficient "dry-cooling" system requiring only ~37-49 Acre-Feet per Year (AFY). This represents less than 0.25% of total basin pumping. It uses 98% less water than traditional data centers and 57x less water than local mining operations. A Will-Serve Letter has already been secured from the local water provider.
"The facility will run on 40 polluting diesel generators 24/7."
The data center runs entirely on grid power. The backup generators are strictly for emergency outages. They run for less than 1 hour per month for mandatory testing and are equipped with hospital-grade emissions controls (SCR, DPF, and DEF systems). During normal operations, the facility produces zero emissions.
"The developer is trying to bypass environmental review."
The project has submitted a comprehensive, 3,000+ page environmental application to the California Energy Commission (Docket 26-SPPE-01). Independent technical studies confirmed "less than significant" impacts across all 20 CEQA environmental categories, including water, air quality, and noise. We are fully participating in the state's rigorous environmental review process.
"The data center could use up to 1,822 acre-feet of water per year."
This figure comes from a 2021 academic study that calculated an industry-wide average of 18.6 AFY per megawatt — based on traditional water-cooled data centers. Our facility does not use water cooling. It is specifically engineered with a hybrid air-cooled + adiabatic system that eliminates 98% of typical water demand. Our actual water use is 37–49 AFY (confirmed in the CEC filing and supported by a Will-Serve Letter from the local water provider). Applying a water-cooled industry average to an air-cooled facility is like estimating a Tesla's fuel cost using gas prices — the technology is fundamentally different.
Take Action
We Need Your Support — Now
CEC SPPE Docket No. 26-SPPE-01
Your support helps bring jobs and long-term economic stability back to Eastern Kern County. Support letters become part of the official CEC record. Now is the critical window during the active SPPE filing process.
"We are committed to building this project with Kern County workers, for Kern County families."
— Robbie Barker, CEO, R&L Capital Inc
What to Include in Your Letter
- Your name, organization, and role in the community
- A statement of support for the RB Inyokern Data Center
- Reference: CEC SPPE Docket No. 26-SPPE-01
- The economic benefits you expect (jobs, tax revenue, diversification)
Submit to the CEC
Option 1 — Online E-Filing (Easiest)
Submit your comment directly:
Submit Comment Online →Option 2 — Email
Send to: [email protected]
Subject line must include:
Docket 26-SPPE-01
Option 3 — Mail
California Energy Commission
Siting, Transmission, and
Environmental Protection Division
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Docket No. 26-SPPE-01
Send to Kern County
Kern County Planning and
Natural Resources Department
2700 M Street, Suite 100
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Re: RB Inyokern Data Center CUP
Email: [email protected]