Pima County to revise data center rules

Pima County's Board of Supervisors has approved significant updates to its policies regarding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and environmental reviews for large-scale economic development projects, including data centers. These revisions, passed on Tuesday, aim to enhance transparency and address concerns that arose from previous projects, such as the "Project Blue" data center in the Tucson area.

The updated NDA policy shortens the maximum agreement length from five years to two, with initial terms set at six months and requiring Board approval for any extensions. Companies with existing NDAs will be notified to align with the new standards within 30 days or their agreements will be invalidated. Additionally, the policy's scope has broadened to include all land development projects, not just economic ones.

The second policy expands the criteria for "Enhanced Due Diligence" project reviews, now mandating comprehensive assessments for large water and electricity users, defined by usage levels comparable to the City of Tucson's standards. This review will evaluate impacts on the environment, natural resources, cultural significance, and public health. Board Chair Jen Allen, who generally opposes NDAs in government, supported the policy changes as a crucial step toward greater transparency, acknowledging that future refinements may be necessary as technology evolves. The adjustments were approved with a 4-1 vote, Supervisor Steve Christy dissenting.