@onlyinarizona: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is calling for an immediate pause on all new data center developments across the state, warning that the growing industry could put even more pressure on Arizona’s electricity supply and water resources. Mayes is urging state lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs to block new data center approvals until Arizona develops a comprehensive plan for managing the industry’s growth. The push comes as Arizona faces continued pressure on its water supply, including a nearly 30% reduction in the state’s Colorado River water allocation. “The only sane thing to do is to pause the approval of new data centers,” Mayes said, pointing to the industry’s heavy use of both power and water. Energy costs are also a major concern. Mayes previously opposed proposed double-digit rate increases from Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power. Her office says some of those increases are tied to the infrastructure needed to support growing electricity demand, including data centers. Data centers can also use tens to hundreds of millions of gallons of water each year for cooling. Additional power plants built to supply these facilities can require significant amounts of water as well. A 2025 analysis projected that water demand connected to data centers could increase by more than 450% if all proposed projects in the greater Phoenix area are built. There are also concerns about the impact on temperatures. An Arizona State University study found that data centers can increase temperatures in nearby areas by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit, while even a 1-degree increase can lead to higher air-conditioning use and utility bills. Mayes says Arizona needs to address its water and power challenges before approving additional projects. Her office also says residents have pushed back against proposed data centers, particularly over concerns about nearby power generation and a lack of community input. Mayes is scheduled to hold a town hall in Ahwatukee on October 14 to hear from residents about Menlo Digital’s proposed hyperscale data center project. #arizona #onlyinarizona #datacenter #phoenix #drought

onlyinarizona

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Tuesday 01 September 2026 00:08:04 GMT