Cochise County Sets New Rules For Future Data Center Proposals To Safeguard Local Water

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors in Arizona has proactively approved Ordinance 26-09, establishing new regulations for any future data center proposals within the county. This decision comes despite there being no immediate plans for data center construction, reflecting a desire to safeguard precious local water resources in the arid region and address community concerns about high water and power usage. The ordinance, described as a "living, breathing document" by Board Chairman Frank Antenori, outlines a review process requiring Special Use Authorization for data centers. It mandates that any proposed facility meet specific standards for water use, infrastructure, site design, and long-term management. The Board indicated that the ordinance would be refined over the next year based on public feedback. This move is a direct response to residents' long-standing worries about the potential environmental impact of data centers on local aquifers and desert resources, with many expressing concerns on social media prior to the ordinance's passage.