Data centers looking to set up shop in Arkansas

Pulaski County Judge nominee Wendell Griffin is advocating for stricter regulations on data centers seeking to establish operations in Arkansas, particularly within unincorporated areas of Pulaski County. Griffin plans to introduce a resolution to the Pulaski County Quorum Court, which holds local legislative authority over land use. The proposal aims to classify data centers as "high intensity digital infrastructure" and subject them to land use planning and development policies consistent with heavy industrial use. Griffin highlights concerns regarding their impact on public health, water resources, electricity infrastructure, and the capacity of rural volunteer fire departments to manage fire hazards. He also noted the potential effect on aquifers. Simultaneously, Senate Resolution 10 is under consideration by Arkansas lawmakers at the Capitol. This resolution seeks to amend the Arkansas Data Center Act, a move that could pave the way for state-level oversight, licensing, and compliance costs for data center facilities across the state. Opposition to data center development is reported to be growing in areas where they are already established or proposed in Arkansas.