Tucson leaders will discuss a proposal on data center restrictions this week

Tucson city leaders are scheduled to hold a study session this Tuesday to discuss a proposed amendment to the city code aimed at restricting data center operations within the city. The initiative for this draft amendment came from Mayor Regina Romero and City Council members following their decision last year to block "Project Blue," a major data center development planned for 290 acres on Tucson's southeast side. Project Blue faced intense public scrutiny primarily due to its projected use of millions of gallons of city water. In response to these concerns, the city has undertaken several measures, including public meetings and a survey, to gather input on regulating large-scale water usage and other requirements for data centers. The proposed amendment seeks to formally define what constitutes a data center and will require such facilities to demonstrate an adequate water supply, among other new regulations.