Arizona Chamber of Commerce challenges data center opponents amid calls for moratorium
In response to the Arizona Attorney General's call for a data center ban due to water and energy concerns, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry challenged opponents to take an 'Arizona Offline Pledge.' The Chamber aims to highlight the benefits of data centers while advocating for solutions to resource challenges rather than halting development. Public sentiment in Arizona shows strong opposition to new data center construction.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has called for a ban on data center development in the state, citing significant concerns over water and energy consumption. In response, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched an unofficial, tongue-in-cheek "Arizona Offline Pledge," daring opponents to forgo modern tech services like social media, AI, and online banking, which rely on data centers.
Courtney Coolidge, the Chamber's executive vice president, stated that while the pledge is humorous, it underscores the benefits data centers provide. She acknowledged legitimate concerns regarding water, energy, and facility locations but emphasized that the solution should be problem-solving rather than halting development. Coolidge highlighted that power generation, data centers, and other industrial users account for only about 7% of the state's water supply and noted that 80% of the Valley's air pollution originates from outside the state.
Public opinion in Arizona shows strong opposition, with over half of registered voters against new large-scale data center construction, according to Noble Predictive Insights. Coolidge recognized that the unpopularity has led some officials to advocate for an end to development, but urged caution against extreme positions from either side.