Andy Biggs Hopes to Reach Frustrated Voters In Time
Arizona Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs said he supports data centers if local communities retain decision-making authority and developers pay for their own infrastructure. He also called for projects to limit impacts on electricity and water supplies, while a proposed Tombstone Resources data center in Cochise County was mentioned as a local example.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs and running mate Sine Kerr visited the Apache Generating Station in Cochise County while campaigning ahead of Arizona’s Nov. 3 election. Biggs said Arizona should not exclude data centers, but local governments should determine where facilities are built and technology companies should fund related infrastructure.
Biggs said the state must ensure data centers do not strain existing or planned energy and water capacity. He opposed assigning data center water oversight to the Arizona Department of Water Resources and suggested the Arizona Corporation Commission could have a role. He also urged the use of recycled, looped or non-water cooling systems.
The article noted that Tombstone Resources LLC has proposed a data center on 750 acres near Interstate 10 and State Highway 191, with power potentially supplied by Arizona Electric Power Cooperative and delivered through Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. Biggs did not discuss the project during the plant tour, which focused primarily on coal- and gas-related issues and EPA policy.