Gov. Katie Hobbs, Congressman Andy Biggs find common ground on data centers
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs oppose Attorney General Kris Mayes’ proposed statewide moratorium on new data centers, though both support state standards for their water and power use. The discussion follows Tucson’s rejection of a Project Blue facility and Marana’s approval of a related project, while Mayes prepares a town hall on the proposed moratorium.
Gov. Katie Hobbs and U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs agree that Arizona should not impose a broad moratorium on new data centers, despite their differences over tax incentives. Hobbs said data centers can support the state’s high-tech economy but should pay for their infrastructure, avoid increasing utility costs and use water sustainably. Biggs said local communities should have the final say and proposed eliminating taxpayer subsidies for the facilities.
The debate follows local decisions involving Project Blue, whose developer, Beale Infrastructure, moved a proposed Tucson facility to an unincorporated area of Pima County after the Tucson City Council rejected it. Marana approved a related data center site, and the developer is considering up to three locations.
Attorney General Kris Mayes continues to advocate a temporary statewide pause on new data centers. She plans to hold a town hall in Mesa and is developing an approval process that could give communities a vote on projects and establish a review commission modeled on the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. Hobbs negotiated a three-year freeze on new data-center tax-incentive applications while policymakers consider broader water, energy and community standards.