Little Rock City Director proposes 18-month data center moratorium, Google not exempted

A significant development is unfolding in Little Rock, Arkansas, where City Board Member Kathy Webb has put forward a proposal for an 18-month moratorium on the construction of hyperscale data centers.

This proposed moratorium, which could be voted on by the city board, would directly impact Google's planned billion-dollar data center at the Port of Little Rock by halting its permitting process. Webb argues that the city needs this extended period to develop more comprehensive regulations for these massive facilities, suggesting that the approval process for Google's project has been rushed without a full understanding of its potential ramifications.

While the Little Rock Board had approved its first data center-specific ordinance in June, Webb believes it is inadequate, lacking sufficient parameters for conditional use review, monitoring, noise mitigation, and community protection. She raised concerns about safety measures, citing the indefinite closure of an Amazon distribution complex in Little Rock due to structural flaws as an example of the need for vigilance in approving large projects. The proposal also advocates for greater transparency, requiring the city manager to publicize all agreements between the city, utilities, and data center developers, including capacity commitments and tax abatements.

There are concerns that enacting a moratorium could lead to a lawsuit from Google, which has already purchased land for its facility but has yet to secure permits. However, Webb maintains that the City Board has the right and responsibility for land use management and can pass such a moratorium.