Data center ordinance moves forward in Pulaski County
Pulaski County leaders are divided on regulating data centers. The Quorum Court rejected a 90-day moratorium proposed by the Planning Commission but advanced a new ordinance by Justice Julie Blackwood to regulate data centers based on water and electricity demands. A final vote on the ordinance is expected later this summer or early next month.
Pulaski County leaders are currently split regarding the pace of implementing regulations for data centers. The county's Planning Commission had initially sought a 90-day moratorium on new data center projects, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by the Quorum Court due to a lack of sufficient support and quorum members present. This was not the first attempt at a moratorium, as a year-long proposal was also voted down weeks prior.
Instead of a moratorium, the Quorum Court proceeded with the first reading of a new ordinance proposed by Justice Julie Blackwood. This ordinance aims to regulate data centers and other projects with high water and electricity demands, specifying rules for their construction and location within the county. The Planning Commission, while discussing this ordinance, requested more time to ensure the county's regulatory measures would be legally sound and not susceptible to challenges.
Justice Blackwood expressed satisfaction that her ordinance is advancing and acknowledged the concerns raised by community members about data center development in Pulaski County. The ordinance is expected to undergo its second and third readings, followed by a final vote later this summer or early next month.