New Amendments for Tucson Data Centers Under Consideration
Tucson’s city leaders are preparing to deliberate on a proposed amendment to the city code, aiming to impose restrictions on the operation of data centers within the city. This discussion is set to take place during the upcoming city council study session on Tuesday.
The initiative for this amendment emerged following a directive from Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council, who requested city officials to draft the amendment. This action comes in the wake of the council’s decision last year to halt Project Blue, a proposed data center that would have occupied a 290-acre area on Tucson’s southeast side, potentially consuming vast amounts of the city’s water resources.
This proposed amendment is part of a broader strategy by the city to manage large-scale water usage and address other requirements of data centers, especially after the public’s strong reaction to the Project Blue proposal. The city has also facilitated several public meetings and recently concluded a survey to gather public input on the matter.
Key elements of the amendment include establishing a formal definition for data centers, mandating proof of sufficient water supply, and implementing additional regulations to govern their operation.
