Arizona’s Data Center Debate: Balancing Growth and Environmental Concerns

In Arizona, the debate over data centers has intensified as concerns about resource consumption collide with technological advancement. Following Attorney General Kris Mayes’ call for a halt on data center development, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry has responded with a challenge to those advocating for the ban.

The chamber introduced the “Arizona Offline Pledge”, highlighting the essential role of data centers by suggesting that opponents should also refrain from using digital services like social media and online banking.

Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the chamber, explained the initiative: “It’s obviously presented as tongue-in-cheek. We are not serious about the pledge, but we are serious about the policy. There’s legitimate concerns about water, energy and location of these facilities. But the conclusion is not to stop building, it’s to solve the problems,” she told KJZZ.

Regarding water usage, Coolidge noted that data centers, along with power generation and other industries, utilize about 7% of Arizona’s water supply. “So I would just say the scale of concern should also match the scale of the facts,” Coolidge added.

As data centers continue to push energy demands to new heights, there is a growing worry about their environmental impact, particularly air quality. Coolidge, however, pointed out that 80% of the air pollution in the Valley originates from outside Arizona. “You could take every single car off the road, and it wouldn’t change our air quality. And so, you know, a moratorium doesn’t address those policy considerations. A conversation does, and we’re willing to come to the table and have those conversations,” she said.

Despite the chamber’s defense, data centers remain unpopular among Arizona residents. A Noble Predictive Insights survey of over 1,000 registered voters revealed that more than half are against the construction of new large-scale data centers.

Coolidge acknowledged the public sentiment, noting that some political figures, especially those campaigning, might call for an end to development. She emphasized the importance of balancing perspectives, cautioning against extreme stances, whether in favor or against data center growth.