Google denies involvement in Imperial’s contested datacenter plan
Developer Sebastian Rucci described Google’s interest in correspondence about an Imperial, California, AI datacenter. Google has told the newspaper it has no involvement. Rucci acknowledges there is no formal agreement. The Guardian’s investigation places those accounts alongside a project requiring 330 MW. More than 130 gas generators are proposed, while environmental review and residents’ objections remain unresolved.
Artificial Intelligence··Morning
Developer correspondence and Google’s response diverge
Google says it is not involved in an AI datacenter proposed for Imperial in California, in the United States. Developer Sebastian Rucci had referred to the company’s interest in correspondence with local agencies. July emails described work involving Google’s Gemini models; August statements to the air-quality district also referred to Google. Rucci acknowledges that there is no formal agreement with the company. The lawyer acquired this land, zoned for industry, toward the end of 2024.[1]
More than 130 gas generators are proposed for the site
The project’s power requirement is 330 MW. Its approximately 30.4-hectare site would include more than 130 generators burning gas. Rucci claims it would create more than 1,600 construction jobs and nearly 30 million dollars in annual tax revenue. Those promises concern a proposed facility, which is not yet operating. The Guardian’s single investigation carries the developer’s correspondence and Google’s direct response.[1]
Environmental review and local objections continue
A judge required full environmental review in September. That decision predates the new investigation, while permitting and local objections remain unresolved. Water demand and air pollution have drawn objections from people living nearby, environmental campaigners and local officials involved in planning. Opponents raise concerns about the area’s farming activity and the air pollution it already experiences. Rucci continues describing prospective commercial relationships, alongside his acknowledgment that no formal Google agreement exists.[1]
