Little Rock’s proposed data center rules are too weak, city panel says
The Little Rock Board of Directors is considering new data center regulations, but the city's Sustainability Commission argues they are too weak and urges a delay to engage residents transparently. The commission has serious concerns about the environmental impacts, including significant electricity and water usage, from a planned Google data center at the Port of Little Rock. They advocate for stronger standards to mitigate these burdens on the community.
The Little Rock Board of Directors is slated to vote this week on proposed regulations for data centers, which Mayor Frank Scott Jr. describes as a balance between economic development and environmental protection. However, the Little Rock Sustainability Commission is urging the board to delay the vote and engage more transparently with residents who have concerns. Failing that, the commission recommends strengthening the proposed rules, which they deem insufficient.
During a recent meeting, the Sustainability Commission heard from Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water, regarding the anticipated water usage of a Google data center planned for the Port of Little Rock. Bohannon stated the facility could draw up to 4 million gallons per day, with an average closer to 1 million gallons daily, noting that Central Arkansas Water's average consumption is around 67 million gallons per day. The proposed regulations would cover noise, water consumption, wastewater discharge, and property setbacks, and would apply to Google's project since permits have not yet been filed.
The commission expressed "serious concerns" about the data center's electricity and water usage, land impacts, air quality, and noise pollution, fearing these burdens would fall on surrounding neighborhoods and Central Arkansas residents. They requested more information on potential tax revenue, environmental impact, and utility contracts, which they claim have been "scant." They also highlighted that Google's plans involve filling 17 acres of wetlands and 6,500 linear feet of streams, conflicting with the city's sustainability goals.
Wesley Prewett, outgoing chair of the Sustainability Commission, conveyed to City Director Kathy Webb the widespread "distrust in the economic development process" stemming from this data center episode. While acknowledging the utility's role is to provide water, Bohannon reiterated that Central Arkansas Water is not a regulatory body. He affirmed the utility has adequate capacity to meet the data center's demands, which are projected to be the largest at the port, though not the largest in the entire system.