Data center campus proposed in Cochise Co.
Tombstone Resources LLC has proposed a more than 700-acre data center campus and battery storage system near the community of Cochise in Cochise County. More than 1,100 residents have signed a petition opposing the project, citing concerns about wildlife and the need for additional studies, while the developer says it would create 1,000 jobs and avoid industrial groundwater use.
Tombstone Resources LLC submitted an application to Cochise County for a data center campus and battery energy storage system near the Apache Generation Station, south of the community of Cochise and about 13 miles from Willcox. The proposed site would cover more than 700 acres, and the county is reviewing the request for special-use authorization.
Opposition is growing, with an online petition led by resident Patsy Nyberg collecting more than 1,100 signatures. Nyberg called for additional studies and raised concerns about impacts on local bird habitat, including sandhill cranes. The developer says the project would use no industrial groundwater, include stormwater basins and no cooling towers, create 1,000 permanent jobs, and reduce electricity costs for Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative customers.
Cochise County Supervisor Frank Antenori said the application addresses opponents' concerns. Tombstone Resources plans to hold a community meeting, followed by the county's formal review and a Dec. 9 public hearing before the Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission.