Emails show Entergy Arkansas’ collaboration on proposed Pulaski County data center moratorium
Emails reveal that Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Dianne Curry collaborated with Entergy Arkansas executive John Bethel to draft an ordinance for a 12-month data center moratorium in Pulaski County. The proposed ordinance would specifically exempt a data center project by AVAIO. These communications were obtained through an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request.
Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Dianne Curry engaged in a collaborative effort with Entergy Arkansas executive John Bethel to formulate a proposed ordinance that would institute a 12-month moratorium on data center development within Pulaski County. According to emails obtained through an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request, Bethel provided assistance in drafting the ordinance.
Crucially, the draft ordinance includes a specific exemption for a data center project planned by AVAIO Digital, allowing its development to proceed despite the proposed county-wide pause. This collaboration highlights the interplay between local government and utility companies in shaping regulations for critical infrastructure.