Arizona county will regulate data centers, but some residents want more

In early April, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors in Arizona unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, focusing on stricter approval processes, water use, noise impact, and power infrastructure. These regulations will require data center developers to submit noise impact analyses, water use plans, and demonstrate an ability to supply power without negatively affecting existing users. A key provision largely prohibits the use of potable water for server cooling. Board Chair Frank Antenori stated the county is "thinking ahead" and expects to receive a data center application by 2028. Prior to the supervisors' vote, the county's Planning & Zoning Commission had also approved a measure to initiate a 120-day moratorium on data center development. However, the county board did not take up the moratorium, citing that Arizona's legal process requires proof of infrastructure overload or public safety risks, which county staff believe are not currently met. This decision came despite significant public feedback, with a majority of comments opposing data centers as a land use and many residents advocating for an outright ban or a moratorium. Local realtor Clay Greathouse noted that "about 95% of the people I talk to are opposed to data centers altogether." Residents like Cheryl Knott raised concerns that the new regulations contain loopholes regarding groundwater and drinking water use, suggesting a "net-zero water use policy" where data centers replace existing operations that use more water. Supervisors acknowledged public input and promised ongoing work sessions to strengthen the regulations. The county's new rules also include steps for decommissioning abandoned data centers, with suggestions for developers to contribute to local emergency services.