Goldwater Institute calls Pima County's data center ban illegal
The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a four-month moratorium on new data center development while the county updates its zoning regulations. The Goldwater Institute called the moratorium illegal and asked the county to rescind it, while county supervisors disagreed over potential property-rights lawsuits and financial risks.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to impose a four-month pause on new data center development in unincorporated areas as the county revises zoning rules addressing data centers’ water and energy use, noise, and proximity to residents. Supervisor Jennifer Allen said the moratorium would provide time to establish a clearer regulatory process, while Supervisor Steve Christy warned it could expose county taxpayers to costly claims under Arizona’s Private Property Protection Act.
The Goldwater Institute sent the county a letter arguing that the moratorium unlawfully halts otherwise lawful development and violates property-rights protections under state law. Attorney Jon Riches urged the county to rescind the measure, while the county considers a response. The moratorium does not affect Project Blue, a data center under construction that county officials say has generated significant land-sale revenue and construction employment.