State attorney general to discuss data centers at town hall
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is holding a town hall in Mesa about data center expansion, energy costs and water use. Mayes has called for a statewide pause on data center approvals and construction, while business advocates and industry supporters argue that data centers bring jobs and investment and that their environmental concerns can be managed.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is scheduled to discuss data center development at a town hall in Mesa as the issue becomes part of her reelection campaign. Mayes has called for a statewide pause on data center approvals and construction, citing rising electricity costs and reduced Colorado River water supplies. The discussion is expected to address energy use, water consumption, heat and noise.
Business and industry supporters, including Project 48 Arizona Executive Director Josh Heywood and Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Danny Seiden, argue that data centers generated jobs and tax revenue and that operators increasingly use closed-loop cooling systems. Seiden and Goldwater Institute Vice President for Litigation Jon Riches also questioned Mayes' legal authority to call for a moratorium. Separately, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a state budget that includes a three-year pause on new data center tax breaks, delaying them until June 30, 2029.