City officials in Tucson are asking community members to weigh in on a proposed amendment to the city code that would introduce restrictions on incoming data centers.
Local officials moved to set up regulations last year — after a massive data center called Project Blue proposed for Tucson’s southeast side was asking to use millions of gallons of city water. Tucson’s mayor and council voted to reject that plan, and introduce specific policies in its wake.
If passed, the proposal would amend city code to establish standards and regulations for how data centers can use city-owned land. City leaders have already held a series of public meetings about the amendment and a survey inviting public comment will remain open until the end of this month.
The Project Blue data center is still moving forward under a deal forged between project developer Beale Infrastructure and Tucson Electric Power. The plan was approved last year by the Arizona Corporation Commission, but now faces additional scrutiny from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' office.
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One year after it rejected Project Blue amid massive outcry from the community, the Tucson City Council has adopted new regulations for large scale data center developments. -
Residents were unanimous in their call for a ban on data centers, but city staff say that would likely be prohibited under state law. -
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