“We said no!!”: Dozens protest as construction of Project Blue data center begins

Dozens of Southern Arizona residents gathered to protest the commencement of construction for Beale Infrastructure's "Project Blue" data center. The protest took place on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the construction site south of Tucson, near the Pima County Fairgrounds. Despite significant community opposition, large construction vehicles have begun clearing the desert for the facility. Opponents have voiced concerns at local government meetings and submitted comments to the Arizona Corporation Commission, primarily citing environmental impacts such as substantial water and electricity consumption. The community continues to express strong disapproval as development proceeds.