The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a 120‑day moratorium on new large‑scale data‑center projects on Tuesday, allowing the county to develop comprehensive zoning regulations that address public‑health and resource concerns.
Vote and Rationale
The resolution passed by a narrow 3‑2 margin, with Supervisors Steve Christy (District 4) and Rex Scott (District 1) opposing. The board spent roughly an hour in executive session with county attorneys before amending the language to apply to any development where permits have not yet been submitted, rather than only those awaiting approval.
Supervisors Matt Heinz (District 2) and Jennifer Allen (District 3) supported the measure, emphasizing the need for the health department to continue gathering data on how data centers could affect water supplies, air quality, heat, noise and overall community health. “We need the time to do it right,” Allen said. “We need time so that we are not making land‑use decisions without understanding the full consequences on public health.”
Public‑Health Concerns
Supervisor Andres Cano (District 5) warned that data centers may place significant new demands on a desert region already grappling with drought and rising temperatures. “In a desert community already confronting drought and rising temperatures, we as a county have a public‑health responsibility to understand those impacts before we approve any projects that could place significant new demands on our resources and our infrastructure,” Cano said.
The resolution cites the “safety, health and wellbeing” of residents and the environment as the basis for the temporary pause. It notes that Pima County has just experienced its sixth hottest summer on record and remains in the midst of a long‑term drought, underscoring the urgency of careful planning.
Process for Exceptions
While the moratorium is in effect, the board may waive the pause if a developer can demonstrate the projected long‑term impact of a project on local communities, air quality, and water and electric usage. Any waiver would require notice to property owners within 1,000 feet of the proposed site and a public hearing.
Within the 120‑day window, county staff will work with stakeholders and the health department to draft recommendations for the Planning and Zoning Commission, which meets in October. The final zoning proposals will be presented to the board before the moratorium expires.
Context and Regional Impact
The moratorium does not affect the already‑approved Project Blue, but it could influence future proposals in areas such as Sahuarita. The board’s actions follow a year‑long effort to strengthen oversight after the controversial sale of unincorporated land near the Tucson fairgrounds to Beale Infrastructure for Project Blue in June 2025.
Earlier this month, supervisors expanded transparency rules for non‑disclosure agreements and broadened the review process for major developments that consume large amounts of water or electricity. Pima County joins a growing list of Arizona jurisdictions taking a cautious approach; the Hualapai Tribal Council adopted a similar resolution in August, and the City of Tucson has tightened its own water‑use ordinances for data centers.
Looking Ahead
By pausing new data‑center permits, Pima County aims to ensure that future growth aligns with the region’s limited water resources, energy capacity and public‑health priorities. The board’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of the desert environment and the families who call it home.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
