Maricopa County Supervisors Approve Controversial Data Center Project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a key permit for Project Baccera, a controversial data center development slated for an unincorporated area in the West Valley, near Surprise and Glendale. The decision has drawn significant criticism from local residents, who expressed profound disappointment over the project. Concerns raised by residents like Mortison include potential noise and light pollution, as well as adverse health impacts from the facility's two on-site natural gas generators. During the vote, some supervisors considered whether the land should remain vacant due to military compatibility concerns. However, the permit was ultimately granted, despite arguments from community members such as April Butler, who highlighted the abundance of existing data centers in the West Valley and questioned the balance between corporate profit and community health. Butler noted the area already hosts 11 data centers, including three large campuses. Opponents, including the City of Glendale, have indicated they are "not done" fighting the project, with construction expected to commence later this year.