Project Blue protesters attempt to block vehicles at construction site

A group of Tucson residents, part of the "No Desert Data Center Coalition," staged a protest Friday morning, attempting to block construction vehicles at the "Project Blue" data center site near the Pima County Fairgrounds. The protesters, some wearing "No Desert Data Center" shirts and holding signs, stepped into the path of vehicles to halt construction, expressing their anger and heartbreak over the project moving forward. Organizer Lee Zeische stated that the community is more powerful than the corporations involved and affirmed that the coalition is not finished fighting. The protest occurred despite the Tucson City Council's unanimous vote in August not to annex land or provide city water utilities to the project. However, members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors are reportedly aiding the project's progress, leading protester Reed Spurling to accuse elected officials of betrayal. Pima County Sheriffs were called to the scene to remove protesters from the road, allowing two vehicles to exit, though no arrests were made. A representative for Beale Infrastructure, the developer, acknowledged the right to protest but reiterated safety rules preventing entry onto the property. Zeische emphasized that the community remains committed to protecting their area.