Arizona is emerging as a significant hub for data centers, with a burgeoning number of facilities, particularly in northern parts of the state.
According to an analysis from the Pew Research Center, Arizona ranks among the top 10 states with 98 existing data centers and another 86 under development.
Virginia, however, remains the leader with 685 sites either operational or planned.
While the majority of Arizona’s data centers are concentrated around Phoenix, there is a growing interest in expanding into northern Arizona due to the availability of land and power resources.
The Town of Page has recently sold approximately 500 acres for a proposed $10 billion data center near Horseshoe Bend, sparking concerns among residents about potential impacts on tourism and the environment.
In response, some cities are exploring measures to control future developments. Flagstaff officials are debating whether to impose restrictions or outright bans on data centers due to concerns over water and energy consumption. The City Council is set to discuss potential zoning changes on May 5.
The state has seen increased opposition to data centers, with notable resistance to the Project Blue data center near Tucson and another proposed facility in Marana.
On a national scale, the Pew Research Center has identified around 1,500 data centers in various stages of development, with approximately 39% planned in counties that currently lack these facilities.
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