Democratic candidate urges regulation of Pulaski County data centers

Democratic candidate for Pulaski County judge, Wendell Griffen, has outlined a proposal to regulate data center development in rural Pulaski County, Arkansas. This initiative follows the 2023 passage of the Arkansas Data Centers Act, which Griffen notes has not led to any land use or planning for data centers at the county level. Griffen's proposal aims to classify high-intensity digital infrastructure facilities as heavy industrial uses. He argues that this classification is necessary for county-level land use planning and development policy to protect public health, safety, and welfare. His concerns include potential impacts on water resources, electricity infrastructure, and the capacity of rural, volunteer fire departments to handle known fire hazards associated with these facilities, as well as the effects on aquifers. Griffen clarified that his proposal does not prohibit data centers but rather seeks to ensure they are located, designed, constructed, and operated in harmony with existing public infrastructure and community well-being. In related legislative developments, Senate Resolution 10 is currently before Arkansas lawmakers. This resolution, if passed, would amend the Arkansas Data Center Act, potentially paving the way for state oversight, licensing, and compliance costs for data center operations.