News Summary
Residents of Tucson are voicing increasing opposition to Project Blue, a massive $3.6 billion data center that will significantly impact local water and energy resources. The project’s expected high consumption of water has raised alarm among environmental advocates and residents following a controversial county board decision. A recent vote to halt discussions by the City Council further escalates the situation, reflecting deep community concern about the transparency of local governance and the implications of such large developments on essential resources.
Arizona – Community opposition is brewing against Project Blue, a proposed $3.6 billion data center in Pima County, Tucson, which aims to be the largest development in the region. Residents and activists are raising alarms over the substantial amounts of water and electricity the project is expected to consume, with concerns intensifying after a vote by the county board of supervisors allowed the land sale and rezoning for the developer Beale Infrastructure on June 17.
Project Blue is expected to consume over 1,900 acre-feet (620 million gallons) of water annually, equivalent to the needs of more than four 18-hole golf courses. The center would primarily use this water to maintain humidity levels and cool computers, leading to significant evaporation losses. As Tucson grapples with its water conservation efforts, these figures have drawn fierce criticism from environmental advocates and city residents alike.
Local leaders, including the mayor and city council members, have faced backlash for the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the project. Many residents claim they feel ignored in public meetings organized by the city, alleging that the meetings do not allow for meaningful discussion about the project’s implications.
In response to growing hostility over the project, the Tucson City Council unanimously voted on August 6 to discontinue any further discussions regarding Project Blue. Amid the rising tensions, Beale Infrastructure announced modifications to the project plan, shifting to an air-cooled system, which is touted as a way to reduce water usage significantly.
Community discontent has been exacerbated by a surprising announcement from Tucson Electric Power (TEP), which disclosed a 14% rate hike shortly after the county’s approval of the land sale. This has led to suspicion among residents regarding a connection to Project Blue, although TEP has denied any relation to the data center.
The issue has sparked conversations about public oversight and the need for transparency in utility operations, as community leaders and some council members advocate for stricter guidelines on large water users. This has become increasingly relevant as local officials consider revising policies surrounding non-disclosure agreements to enhance the transparency of such significant projects in the future.
As public resistance mounts, some community members are exploring approaches for the city to potentially pursue public utility options as a counter-balance to TEP’s influence. The controversy surrounding Project Blue has already led to the resignation of Barbra Coffee, Tucson’s director of economic initiatives, just over a month after the City Council’s rejection of the project, with speculation that her departure is linked to the ongoing crisis.
Despite the Tucson City Council’s decision to halt discussions on the project, Beale Infrastructure continues to pursue its plans. The company has filed a new energy service agreement with the Arizona Corporation Commission, raising additional concerns among residents about the future of water and energy resources in Tucson.
This situation is part of a larger national trend where communities are grappling with the environmental trade-offs of expanding data center infrastructures for the tech industry. The controversy surrounding Project Blue has reignited discussions within the Tucson community about the balance between economic development and resource conservation.
As the debate unfolds, Tucson officials are assessing the possibility of implementing more stringent regulations for large water users in response to the widespread environmental concerns associated with data centers like Project Blue.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Guardian: Tucson Arizona AI Data Center Project
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Tucson.com: Project Blue Update
- Google Search: Project Blue Tucson
- KVOA: Project Blue Data Center News
- Google Scholar: Data Centers Water Usage
- KOLD: Project Blue Opposition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
