Maricopa County Approves Data Center Near Surprise Despite Opposition

Maricopa County officials have granted final approval for Project Baccara, a controversial data center and 700-megawatt natural gas power plant located near Surprise, Arizona. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve a permit for Michigan-based developer Takanock, despite widespread public opposition and concerns from nearby residents and Luke Air Force Base. The project, which will include 18 gas stacks and thousands of gallons of backup propane, is located just a few thousand feet from a residential neighborhood and within Luke Air Force Base's flight corridor. Residents expressed concerns about increased air pollution in a region already failing to meet federal air quality standards, potential health risks, and safety issues for the Air Force base. Luke Air Force Base Commander Brig. Gen. David Berkland had previously sent a letter outlining conditions for the project due to its proximity to a "high noise or accident potential zone," though the developer claims to have addressed these. Opponents, including a West Valley data center opposition group, protested the decision, chanting "people over profit." Over 100 individuals attended the permit hearing, and 440 emails were sent to the board expressing disapproval. While Supervisor Debbie Lesko ultimately voted in favor, citing the developer's response to Air Force conditions, Supervisor Steve Gallardo voted against, citing "too many remaining questions." The Arizona Corporation Commission's Line Siting Committee had previously recommended approval for the project's Certificate of Environmental Compatibility in December. This "bring your own power" (BYOP) model, which includes an on-site natural gas plant, is presented by the developer as an alternative to straining existing utility grids, though it introduces significant local environmental impacts. Experts like Shaolei Ren, an associate professor at the University of California, estimate the project could lead to $11.5 to $19.3 million in increased annual healthcare costs due to air pollution. The area is zoned "heavy industrial," but has seen significant residential development since the 1990s, with 110 homes now within a one-mile radius. Neighbors like Hollie Tolmachoff and Beth Mortensen have voiced fears about exposure to harmful pollutants.