Pima County halts new data center permits for 120 days to update zoning rules
The Pima County Board of Supervisors has enacted a 120-day moratorium on new data center permits in unincorporated areas to allow time for updating zoning rules. This decision stems from concerns over the potential strain on local resources like water and electricity, and active opposition from community groups. The goal is to establish stricter standards for future data center developments in the county.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors has approved a 120-day moratorium on new data center permits within unincorporated Pima County, Arizona, following a 3-2 vote. This temporary measure is intended to provide county staff with the necessary time to revise existing zoning rules, which are considered outdated for modern data center facilities.
County leaders voiced significant concerns regarding the environmental and community impact of large data centers, specifically mentioning potential strain on the local water supply, electricity grid, and air quality, alongside issues of increased heat and noise. Supervisor Andrés Cano supported the moratorium, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear standards to safeguard natural resources, neighborhoods, and current residents. In contrast, Supervisor Rex Scott voted against the resolution, citing legal counsel received from the county attorney's office.
Community sentiment was also a key factor, with Reed Spurling of the No Desert Data Center Coalition speaking in favor of the moratorium. The coalition aims for stricter regulations and, ultimately, a complete ban on large data centers in Pima County, framing the debate as a broader struggle for control over land, water, money, and power against corporate influence. Following the moratorium period, the newly drafted zoning rules will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission before being presented to the Board of Supervisors for final adoption.