Proposal for Little Rock data center pause
Little Rock City Director Kathy Webb is proposing a six-month moratorium on new data center development after an earlier 18-month pause failed. The pause would give the city time to study water and wastewater capacity, power demand, emergency services and additional regulations, with the Board of Directors scheduled to vote next Tuesday.
Little Rock City Director Kathy Webb has reintroduced a proposal for a six-month pause on new data center development. The measure follows the failure of a longer 18-month moratorium earlier in the year and would give city officials time to evaluate impacts on water and wastewater systems, electricity demand and emergency services before drafting additional regulations.
Enhanced zoning requirements and regulations took effect in June but do not prevent a large Google data center proposed for Little Rock. Webb said the shorter pause would allow officials to resolve outstanding questions before approving further development. The full Little Rock Board of Directors is expected to vote on the ordinance next Tuesday.
The Pulaski County Quorum Court also approved a similar pause last month, but County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed it. The court is scheduled to meet next week to consider an attempt to override the veto.