Amazon Withdraws from Project Blue’s Tucson Data Center Plan
Amazon Web Services has decided to step away from involvement in the Project Blue data center, which was set to be developed on a 290-acre site in Tucson’s eastern outskirts.
Initially, public records confirmed by the Arizona Luminaria connected Amazon to Project Blue as early as 2023. However, due to non-disclosure agreements with Pima County and Tucson officials, Amazon’s participation remained undisclosed until the project faced public scrutiny this summer. This happened after the developer, Beale Infrastructure, disclosed plans to utilize city water for cooling the facility.
Following a backlash from the community and city leaders, the plan to use municipal water was scrapped. Beale Infrastructure then shifted its strategy, opting for Tucson Electric Power’s electricity as an alternative cooling method. However, this change did not align with Amazon’s operational requirements, leading the company to withdraw from the deal, as reported by the Arizona Daily Star.
While a Beale spokesperson did not confirm Amazon’s departure, they mentioned that Amazon had previously indicated no formal agreements in Tucson.
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A resident holds up an anti-Project Blue sign during a community meeting in downtown Tucson on Aug. 4.
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Community members holding signs opposing Project Blue filled Tucson City Council chambers during a study session discussing the fate of the data center proposal.
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Residents hold up a sign protesting Project Blue during a community meeting in Tucson on Aug. 4. The plan was tied to Amazon Web Services, which federal agencies like DHS and ICE also use for surveillance purposes.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Residents speak during a Project Blue community meeting in Tucson on Aug. 4.
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and other city leaders listen to a presentation about Project Blue during a community meeting in southeast Tucson on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The mayor and council will first vote on the project in August.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Representatives with Beale Infrastructure joined Tucson officials to give information about Project Blue during a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, held at Mica Mountain High School in Tucson’s far southeast side.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
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Pamphlets against Project Blue are displayed at the Watershed Management Group’s Living Lab in midtown Tucson.
Alisa Reznick/KJZZ
