Pinal County Board of Supervisors rejects data center project near Eloy, Arizona
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors rejected a data center project proposed by Vermaland near Eloy, Arizona. This decision followed strong community opposition due to concerns over water, air quality, noise, wildlife, and property values. The project included two gas-fired power plants and had been scaled back in size.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors in Arizona voted 4-1 to reject a controversial data center project proposed by Vermaland near Eloy. The decision followed hours of public testimony from residents who packed multiple overflow rooms, expressing concerns about the project's potential impact on water resources, air quality, noise levels, wildlife, and property values in the area.
The proposed data center, initially planned with 59 buildings, had been scaled back by Vermaland to 11 buildings, each approximately 400,000 square feet. The developer also planned to construct two gas-fired power plants to meet the facility's electricity demands.
While opponents highlighted environmental and community concerns, supporters, including union members and the Avra Valley fire chief, spoke in favor of the project, citing potential job creation, new equipment, and improved fire services. Despite the developer's attempts to address some concerns, the board's vote against rezoning the land effectively halted the project in Pinal County. Vermaland, however, indicated they would pursue other projects in Arizona.