KFF Health News: Data Center Health Worries Animate Midterm Campaigns
Residents in Page, Arizona, are organizing against a proposed $10 billion data center after the City Council approved the sale of 500 acres for the project. The developer still needs zoning and other approvals, while concerns about noise, pollution, water, electricity use and potential health effects have become a political issue in Arizona’s midterm elections.
A proposed $10 billion data center in Page, Arizona, is facing organized local opposition. The City Council approved the sale of 500 acres near Horseshoe Bend, but the developer has not selected a precise site and still requires zoning and other approvals. Residents have signed petitions, displayed opposition signs and blamed the project for potential noise, light pollution, higher temperatures and health risks.
The controversy has spread into Arizona politics, with Republican congressional candidate Jay Feely supporting data centers as an economic and strategic priority while Democratic opponent Amish Shah has called for a pause on new construction. Arizona’s attorney general has also called for a halt to new approvals and building. Public health researchers and environmental advocates cited possible risks from generator emissions, cooling chemicals, noise and water contamination, while the Data Center Coalition said regulations and limited backup-power use can reduce potential impacts.