Debate Intensifies Over Data Center Regulations in Tucson
The city of Tucson is currently evaluating a proposal to implement stricter regulations on the development of large data centers. This initiative would apply to projects exceeding 25,000 square feet or demanding more than 20 megawatts of energy.
The move follows a strong public opposition to Project Blue, a significant data center planned 20 miles east of Tucson. This project is anticipated to require between 500 and 700 megawatts of energy and will cover an area of 13 million square feet.
For several months, city officials have been collecting input from the public, the mayor, and the city council on these proposed regulations.
Water availability emerges as a significant concern for residents regarding these developments. Struve highlighted, “[There is] the perception that we don’t have adequate water supply to support large-scale data centers, concerns about energy demands, utility needs and infrastructure concerns about rate stress or increased electrical rates due to the construction of large-scale data centers.”
Despite the two-hour hearing and 40 minutes of public commentary, the commission is still grappling with issues of jurisdiction over such developments and whether the proposed measures suffice in addressing public concerns.
Tucson Ward 5 Commissioner Valerie Lane expressed frustration, emphasizing, “No matter what we do right now in the city of Tucson, these guys went to our neighbor’s backyard and are going to build one anyway, and they got well permits from the state. That’s three different government entities that are not talking to each other.” She further added, “This is outside the purview of the zoning code, but having a regional conversation between governing bodies and coming up with a plan that works for the southwest for the state of Arizona seems essential.”
Struve indicated that while Tucson cannot regulate energy or water use solely through zoning due to state laws, “the amendment is really intended to establish land use standards and a public review process.”
Following Project Blue’s rejection, the City Council enacted a Large Quantity Water User program requiring any customer using over 7 million gallons of water monthly to disclose usage plans and adopt conservation strategies.
As per the Planning Commission Memorandum, developers interested in data centers must apply under planned area development (PAD). This differs from typical zoning by necessitating compliance with specific stipulations that the commission and City Council are finalizing.
Proposed PAD guidelines are aimed at enforcing stricter residential setbacks, controlling noise levels, mitigating risks to the electric grid, and preserving natural habitats.
The commission intends to extend discussions to include additional stipulations, such as renewable energy generation, site decommissioning standards, and enhanced natural resource protections. The commission is expected to present its recommendations to the mayor and council within a 45-day timeframe.
—
Read More Arizona News
