Pima County Board of Supervisors votes to draft data center moratorium
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to direct county staff to draft a 120-day moratorium on new data center development in unincorporated areas. This decision follows a surge in applications for a state sales tax exemption. Separately, the Sahuarita town council meeting saw significant public anxiety over potential data center projects, despite no applications being filed yet.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors in Arizona voted 3-2 to initiate a 120-day moratorium on new data center development within unincorporated areas of the county. Board Chair Jennifer Allen cited a recent surge in applications for a state sales tax exemption on data center equipment, preceding a separate three-year moratorium imposed by Arizona's governor on July 1. This move signals a clear direction toward restricting new data center construction and highlights division within the board, with Supervisor Rex Scott voting against the measure based on legal counsel advice.
Concurrently, a Sahuarita town council meeting saw extensive public participation, with over 25 speakers debating data centers for nearly 90 minutes. Despite the high level of public anxiety and discussion, the town manager clarified that no data center applications have actually been received yet in Sahuarita. The community's concern is running ahead of any specific projects, indicating significant public opposition to potential developments.
Additionally, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a 4-1 vote to strengthen due diligence policies and non-disclosure agreements for economic development, with revisions expected by September 8.