Union County, Arkansas, approves one-year data center moratorium
Union County, Arkansas, has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development. This decision followed an emergency Quorum Court meeting addressing public concerns about data centers' impact on county resources, including power and water use. The pause will allow officials to study potential effects and establish zoning rules and operating standards.
Union County leaders in Arkansas have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development. The decision was made following an emergency Quorum Court meeting on June 30, 2026, called by Union County Judge Mike Loftin, which saw an unprecedented turnout of residents.
The meeting addressed growing public concerns regarding proposed data center development, crypto-mining, significant power and water usage, and the potential strain on county resources. Every member of the Quorum Court voted in favor of the ordinance, which establishes a one-year pause on new data center development from July 10, 2026, through July 9, 2027.
County officials stated that the moratorium's purpose is to allow time for studying the potential impacts of large data centers on water, electrical demand, public utilities, emergency services, and surrounding properties. This period will also be used to develop and consider new zoning rules, operating standards, and other safeguards before any further data center projects are permitted to advance. The vote does not guarantee automatic approval for future data centers once the moratorium expires, emphasizing the county's intent to establish local requirements.