Arizona House Leader Criticizes Attorney General's Call for Data Center Moratorium
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has called for a moratorium on new data center construction in the state, drawing strong criticism from Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone. Carbone argues that the pause is detrimental to national security, economic growth, and healthcare advancements, asserting that data centers are crucial for AI development and provide significant jobs and tax revenue without undue strain on resources. He highlights legislative actions already taken to ensure data centers pay their fair share for infrastructure.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has proposed a "pause" on new data center construction in the state, a stance that Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone vehemently opposes as "wrong and anti-American." Carbone, a Republican representing Legislative District 25, argues that Mayes is overstepping her role as Attorney General and that her proposal undermines U.S. national security in the global AI race against China.
Carbone emphasizes that robust AI capabilities, essential for national defense and economic competitiveness, require substantial data center infrastructure. He cites support for rapid AI infrastructure buildout from figures across the political spectrum, including President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and President Trump's AI Czar David Sacks. Carbone also dismisses common criticisms against data centers, asserting that new facilities in Arizona are adopting water-efficient cooling systems and that the Arizona Corporation Commission and Legislature have taken steps to ensure data centers cover grid upgrade costs, preventing them from being shifted to existing customers. He points to Microsoft's investment in dedicated water infrastructure in El Mirage as an example.
Furthermore, Carbone highlights the significant economic benefits of data centers, including good-paying jobs for union tradespeople, increased property tax revenues for schools and public services (citing Loudoun County, Virginia, as an example), and the broader societal benefits of AI-powered advancements in healthcare. He notes that the Arizona Legislature recently passed a bipartisan budget that included a two-year pause on new tax incentive certificates for data centers to ensure fair contributions. Carbone concludes by stating that Mayes' call for a pause serves China's interests and endangers American prosperity and security.