Proposed Moratorium on Data Center Development

Cochise County officials have announced that a proposed moratorium on new data center development cannot proceed immediately. The measure, which narrowly passed the Planning and Zoning Commission with a 5-4 vote, faces significant legal hurdles under state law, including requirements for detailed findings and a formal public hearing. Chairman Frank Antenori of the Board of Supervisors highlighted these challenges, noting the county currently lacks active data center applications and sufficient data on potential infrastructure impacts. Consequently, the county is pivoting its strategy to updating existing zoning regulations. This updated approach aims to proactively address public concerns regarding water consumption and electrical demand that data centers may pose. The goal is to establish a robust framework for evaluating future development proposals through a transparent public process, ensuring decisions are based on concrete data.