The U.S. Marine Corps is proposing to make available for lease an approximately 1,800-acre non-excess parcel of land at the northwestern edge of the Barry M. Goldwater Range West near Yuma, Arizona, to allow development of a data center campus and energy generation infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is this project being proposed?
Pursuant to the Marine Corps Installations, Command Energy Strategy and Marine Corps Installations, West Energy and Water Strategy, in June 2022, MCAS Yuma proposed leasing an parcel measuring approximately 1,800 acres, to provide an integrated energy utilities solution to mitigate threats posed to MCAS Yuma by natural disasters, an unreliable electric grid, as well as cyber and kinetic attacks. In March 2024, NAVFAC released a request for proposals for the lease of this real property under the authority of 10 U.S.C. section 2667 for an energy resilience project in accordance Secretary of the Navy Instruction 4101.3A. That process resulted in selection of a proposal for the development, construction, and operation of a data center and energy generation infrastructure that is the subject of this EA. In addition, the choice of a data center advances and supports Executive Order (EO) 14179, Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and EO 14318, Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure. The Proposed Action would enhance the energy resilience of MCAS Yuma by securing revenue necessary to implement needed energy resilience projects that will ensure the long-term sustainability of MCAS Yuma and enable the Marine Corps to meet its responsibilities set forth in 10 U.S.C. section 8063.
Where would this project be located?
The project would be located on an approximately 1,800-acre parcel managed by MCAS Yuma along the northwestern edge of Barry M. Goldwater Range West, east of State Route 195. (Insert link to the project figure be added here)
A data center is a facility that houses computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and other hardware. It serves as a centralized location to store, process, manage, and distribute large amounts of data or to facilitate artificial intelligence or high-performance computing workloads. Data centers are designed with controlled environments that include redundant power supplies, cooling systems, and backup generators to ensure optimal and uninterrupted operation. Security features, such as access controls, surveillance systems, and fire suppression protect the valuable data and equipment housed within.
What facilities could be built as part of the project?
The Proposed Action would include:
- Up to 2,000,000 square feet of data center buildings
- Natural gas-powered energy generation facilities
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays
- Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- Electrical substations and utility connections
- Emergency backup generators
How long would construction take?
The project is anticipated to be constructed in phases. Construction of the overall project is expected to begin in 2027 with the first phase of data center and energy generation infrastructure operations commencing in late 2028. The construction phases would be dependent on data center demand, the timing of when the public utilities and pipeline operator(s) accomplish any extensions, and when the utilities’ regional infrastructure upgrade projects are brought online. See Appendix E of the EA for details on the construction process.
What alternatives were evaluated in the Draft EA?
The Environmental Assessment evaluates:
- The Proposed Action (leasing the land for the data center campus and energy generation infrastructure).
- The No Action Alternative, under which land would not be leased and development would not occur.
What environmental resources were analyzed in the Draft EA?
The Environmental Assessment evaluates potential impacts to:
- Air quality
- Cultural resources
- Visual resources
- Utilities
- Biological resources
- Noise
- Hazardous Materials and Waste
How can the public provide comments?
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment from October 16 through October 31, 2026. The public may submit comments in one of the following ways:
- In person at the open house meeting
- Via the project website: www.MCASYumaEUL.com
- Via the project email address: info@MCASYumaEUL.com
- By mail to:
MCAS Yuma EUL PM c/o Stantec
514 Via De La Valle, Suite 308
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Where can I get more information?
Questions about the project can be directed to MCAS Yuma Public Affairs at MCASYuma_Media@usmc.mil or (928) 269-5505.