Why GOP Lt. Gov. nominee rejects proposed Arizona data center pause
Republican Lt. Gov. nominee Sine Kerr rejects a proposed statewide data center moratorium in Arizona, advocating for thoughtful, localized approaches instead. She suggests ensuring data centers are located where desired, not subsidized, generate their own power, and utilize advanced water-cooling technologies to prevent impacts on residential users and the environment.
Arizona's Republican Lieutenant Governor nominee, Sine Kerr, has publicly stated her opposition to a proposed statewide data center moratorium initiated by Attorney General Kris Mayes. Kerr shared her perspective on "Arizona's Morning News," emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach rather than a complete pause on data center development.
Kerr's rationale centers on ensuring data centers are situated in locations amenable to communities and operate without public subsidies. She advocates for these facilities to be self-sufficient in power generation, preventing any strain on existing residential grids or impediments to local business growth.
Furthermore, the nominee highlighted the critical issue of water consumption, urging that data centers in Arizona adopt the most current, efficient technologies for cooling, such as closed-loop or air-cooled systems. She believes that with responsible guidelines and guardrails, data centers can coexist with communities without adverse environmental or resource impacts, indicating a preference for local control and stringent operational standards over a blanket statewide ban.