Setting a framework for data center decisions

The Pima County Health Department, in collaboration with researchers from Johns Hopkins, has published a public health review on data centers. This review is intended to provide a framework for decision-makers in Pima County to consider when approving, constructing, and operating data centers, addressing a noted lack of guidelines for assessing potential environmental and health impacts as data center projects become more prevalent across Arizona.

The review outlines 21 potential pathways through which data centers could affect the environment and public health across their entire life cycle, from siting to decommissioning. John Netherland of the PCHD emphasized that the department, using specific health metrics, identified increased heat vulnerability and water scarcity as critical concerns for Pima County, alongside potential impacts on air quality, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular health. The goal is to apply this framework to inform decision-making in communities within the county.

Building on these findings, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has advocated for a statewide pause on data center approvals and construction. Mayes cited concerns about exacerbating temperature increases in an already overheated environment, as well as issues related to air emissions, light and noise pollution, and the state's strained water and power resources, particularly in the wake of Colorado River water cuts.

Attorney General Mayes asserted that Arizona is not currently in a position to host additional data centers and has urged the Governor and state legislators to introduce and pass legislation to enable this temporary moratorium. She believes that before any further data center development can resume, a comprehensive plan must be established to address the state's existing water supply challenges.