Little Rock board fails again to pass data center moratorium
The Little Rock City Board of Directors again failed to pass a proposed six-month moratorium on data center projects, voting 4-4 when six votes were required. Supporters said the pause would give the city time to develop rules addressing water use, noise, infrastructure, zoning and monitoring, as Google plans a $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock.
The Little Rock City Board of Directors rejected a proposed six-month data center moratorium in a 4-4 vote, marking the second failed attempt after an 18-month version received the same outcome in August. Director Kathy Webb sponsored both measures, arguing that the city needed time to improve its data center regulations. The proposal would have addressed water, noise, emergency infrastructure, zoning and monitoring requirements.
Google's planned $1 billion data center at the Port of Little Rock has heightened the debate. Little Rock Regional Chamber head Jay Chesshir opposed the moratorium, warning it could create legal and litigation risks by conflicting with the work of state and federal agencies. Several directors supported the measure, while others questioned whether city staff could implement it quickly; Director Antwan Phillips abstained.