Data center activity in Arkansas
Arkansas presents a mixed moratorium picture, with at least 13 moratoriums enacted but also at least 9 rejected, suggesting that while some communities are pushing back on data center growth, a meaningful share of moratorium efforts are being defeated. The state's zoning record is notably clean, with at least 6 reported approvals and no denials, and at least 2 projects have advanced despite opposition with no reported projects blocked. With 20 active companies showing broad market interest, Arkansas maintains a more welcoming posture than several of its neighbors, including Missouri, where at least 42 moratoriums have been enacted and 11 projects have been blocked. The medium confidence level reflects a modest 250 clips, so additional regulatory activity may exist beyond what has been reported.
Arkansas presents a mixed moratorium picture, with at least 13 moratoriums enacted but also at least 9 rejected, suggesting that while some communities are pushing back on data center growth, a meaningful share of moratorium efforts are being defeated. The state's zoning record is notably clean, with at least 6 reported approvals and no denials, and at least 2 projects have advanced despite opposition with no reported projects blocked. With 20 active companies showing broad market interest, Arkansas maintains a more welcoming posture than several of its neighbors, including Missouri, where at least 42 moratoriums have been enacted and 11 projects have been blocked. The medium confidence level reflects a modest 250 clips, so additional regulatory activity may exist beyond what has been reported.
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A proposed data center by EdgeConneX in rural Grant County, Arkansas, is facing local opposition and scrutiny from county leaders. County officials are in a due diligence period and are considering withholding tax abatements if the company doesn't meet conditions regarding noise, visual impact, and resource usage. The project's location is being negotiated, with a proposed site northwest of Sheridan.
Residents and members of the Grant County Quorum Court are speaking out against a proposed data center by EdgeConneX located northeast of Sheridan, Arkansas. Locals are actively opposing the development.
Jeffery Harris, CTO of Paradox Infrastructure and Z Squared, assured the Quorum Court that their planned data center in El Dorado would not increase electricity rates or water usage. He stated the project would instead help improve the local energy grid infrastructure. This promise was also echoed by former President Donald Trump.
Entergy Arkansas has initiated discussions with landowners regarding the installation of new transmission lines. These lines are necessary to power a proposed data center in south Pulaski County being developed by AVAIO Digital. The utility anticipates building infrastructure on private properties to service the facility.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors plans to review city rules for data center development, including potential regulations on water usage, following a request by Director Kevin Settle. This comes amidst a nationwide pushback against data centers and new regulatory actions taken by other Arkansas cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville. The board is also considering requiring its approval for data centers tied to the city's regional water supply.
A $6.6 billion data center project by Server Farm is under construction in Clarksville, Arkansas, next to the Johnson County Medical Center. The project has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents feeling blindsided despite officials' claims of proper public notice. While there's cynicism about stopping the already progressing project, there's ongoing discussion about public engagement and possible future regulations.
A $6.5 billion data center project by Server Farm in Clarksville, Arkansas, is drawing mixed reactions due to a perceived lack of public notice. While the company promises economic benefits and grid upgrades, local residents express cynicism, believing it's too late to stop the facility, which has been under construction since 2022. Other Arkansas localities are enacting or considering moratoriums on data centers in response to similar concerns.
An attorney for AVAIO Digital Partners sought a carve-out for its Project Leo in a proposed 12-month data center moratorium in Pulaski County, Arkansas. Although an amendment to grandfather the project initially passed the Quorum Court, it failed to be approved as an emergency ordinance due to a miscount. A new version of the moratorium, which also exempts the AVAIO project, is set for a full Quorum Court vote on July 28.
Cypress Creek Solar has broken ground on the Steel River Energy Center, the largest solar farm in the US, located near Wilson, Arkansas. This project is significant for data centers, specifically Google's new facility in West Memphis, which will purchase 100% of its energy from solar via Entergy Arkansas. The project also emphasizes job creation and American-made components.
An article reports on a proposed $6.6 billion data center project in the Arkansas River Valley. Public opinion is described as mixed, with concerns stemming from a lack of detailed information regarding the development.
A significant land rush is occurring in South Pulaski County, Arkansas, with data center development and activities at the local port identified as the primary drivers. This indicates a period of substantial economic and land-use change for the region.
Protesters gathered in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to oppose the expansion of AI data centers, citing concerns over potential increases in utility prices, excessive energy consumption, and a lack of regulation for artificial intelligence. While no data centers are currently planned for Garland County, demonstrators aimed to vocalize local opposition to officials who could approve such facilities in the future. The protest was part of a nationwide day of action against AI data centers.
Residents near Wrightsville, Arkansas, participated in a "national day of protest" against data centers and artificial intelligence. The event aimed to educate the public on the potential harms of these projects and voice objections.
Communities across Arkansas are joining a nationwide day of peaceful protests against the construction and expansion of AI data centers. Organized by Humans First, these demonstrations aim to pressure officials on environmental impact, infrastructure, and taxpayer incentives. Protests are planned in Wrightsville, Royal (Hot Springs/Garland County), and Malvern, with Wrightsville residents specifically opposing two proposed data centers.
The Pulaski County Quorum Court advanced a proposal for a temporary pause on future data center developments, but it was a less restrictive version than desired by community members. Residents expressed concerns over noise, water, and power demands from data centers. The ordinance will proceed to the full Quorum Court for consideration on July 23rd.
Emails reveal that Pulaski County Justice of the Peace Dianne Curry collaborated with Entergy Arkansas executive John Bethel to draft an ordinance for a 12-month data center moratorium in Pulaski County. The proposed ordinance would specifically exempt a data center project by AVAIO. These communications were obtained through an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request.
The Pulaski County Quorum Court committee advanced a less restrictive moratorium proposal, allowing an existing data center project to proceed while limiting future developments. Community members had urged a stricter pause due to concerns over noise, water, and power. The full quorum court will consider the ordinance on July 23rd.
Pulaski County passed a less restrictive data center moratorium, disappointing residents who sought a stronger measure. Community members expressed concerns about transparency and the county's focus on legal risks over their livelihoods, especially concerning projects already approved under existing laws.
Pulaski County officials are debating the construction of a data center near Wrightsville. A committee advanced a less restrictive moratorium proposal, allowing the project to proceed despite community concerns and opposition from some officials advocating for stricter regulations.
A local resident expresses significant concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding two data centers being built in the county, highlighting potential risks such as water issues, noise pollution, and strain on emergency services. The author urges community members to engage with local government and attend an upcoming AI Data Center Rally in Wrightsville to address these issues.