Bakersfield General Plan 2045 Update
Key Questions
What population growth is being considered in the Bakersfield General Plan 2045 Update?
The update incorporates public feedback on growth to a population of 422,000, along with related zoning and housing changes. It also accounts for a new state law promoting denser housing near transit stops.
How are data centers affecting water resources in the Bakersfield area?
A statewide study highlights risks of water strain from data centers, including one in Inyokern using up to 500,000 gallons per day. New proposals near Ridgecrest have faced opposition over water use, and a plan to build one in an oil field with carbon capture has drawn lawsuits from climate groups.
What is the BLM proposing regarding oil and gas parcels in Kern County?
The Bureau of Land Management has opened a 30-day comment period on 50 oil and gas parcels covering 36,000 acres. The leases are projected to support 3,500 jobs and generate $200 million annually.
Are there connections between high-speed rail and data center development?
HSR-related monetization plans for data centers have introduced additional water and land use considerations. This overlaps with separate proposals to site data centers in oil fields amid ongoing environmental debates.
What public input has been gathered on the General Plan update?
Feedback has focused on managing growth to 422k residents, adjusting zoning, and addressing housing needs. The process also incorporates state requirements for transit-oriented development.
Public feedback on growth to 422k pop, zoning, housing. New state law for denser housing near transit stops factors in transit-oriented development. Statewide data centers study flags water strain risks (Inyokern, 500k gal/day). New data center proposals near Ridgecrest face opposition over water use. HSR data center monetization plans add water/land use dimension. A new proposal to build a data center in an oil field (CRC) with carbon capture faces climate group lawsuits, adding to water/land use debates. BLM opened 30-day comment period on 50 oil and gas parcels across Kern (36,000 acres), supporting 3,500 jobs and $200M annually.