Little Rock rejects six-month data center moratorium as Google plans $1 billion facility
The Little Rock Board of Directors rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on new hyperscale data center approvals in a 4-4 vote. The debate comes as Google plans a $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock, with officials divided over whether additional study and regulations are needed.
The Little Rock Board of Directors voted 4-4 against a six-month moratorium on new hyperscale data center permits and approvals. The proposal, sponsored by Ward 3 Director Kathy Webb, would have given the city time to study potential impacts involving water use, noise, zoning and emergency services. It was the second failed moratorium proposal in three months, following an unsuccessful 18-month pause in August.
The debate is occurring as Google plans a $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock. Planning and Development Director Bradley Jordan warned that the proposed study would significantly increase his department's workload, while Little Rock Regional Chamber Director Jay Chessir and other directors argued that existing state, federal and local regulations already address many concerns and that additional restrictions could harm economic development. The city's data center ordinance adopted in June remains in effect, but the future of a temporary moratorium is uncertain.