How Andy Biggs plans to handle Arizona's data center boom
Andy Biggs, an Arizona gubernatorial nominee, proposes ending tax breaks and subsidies for data centers in the state. He advocates for data centers to generate their own power and recycle water to prevent strain on existing resources. Biggs also supports a moratorium on state incentives for data center development.
Republican gubernatorial nominee Andy Biggs articulated his stance on data center development in Arizona during an interview with Arizona's Morning News. Biggs stated that if elected, he would end tax breaks and subsidies for data centers. He emphasized that data centers should not be allowed to overcrowd the existing electricity grid, impacting commercial and residential users, but instead should be encouraged to create their own energy sources.
Biggs also highlighted the importance of water conservation, advocating that data centers must not strain Arizona's water supply. He cited an unnamed data processing center in his district that successfully recycles its water. He acknowledged that while some communities welcome data centers, others do not.
Biggs expressed agreement with Governor Hobbs on the need for a moratorium on state-level incentives for data centers, stating that companies have indicated there are sufficient reasons to come to Arizona even without these incentives. He concluded that the state's primary role should be to manage water and power resources to prevent increased costs or shortages for current residents and businesses, leaving specific site decisions to local jurisdictions.