AZ governor candidates on data center growth
Arizona gubernatorial candidates debated whether the state should pause applications for new data centers while studying their effects on water, electricity, and local communities. Terry Hurahhan proposed a temporary pause, while Andy Biggs favored statewide standards protecting existing and future users and leaving approval decisions to local communities.
Republican candidate Andy Biggs and No Labels candidate Terry Hurahhan discussed data center growth during an Arizona governor debate. Hurahhan proposed temporarily pausing applications for new data centers while the state studies their effects on water supplies, energy capacity, and communities, while allowing existing facilities to continue operating.
Biggs said new data centers should not consume power or water needed by current residents, businesses, or projected future development. He argued that the state should establish those standards, with local communities deciding whether to approve facilities. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Green Party candidate Risa Lombardo did not attend the debate; the Hobbs campaign said she would continue focusing on issues including water protection.