Tucson City Council Rejects Project Blue Data Center: Community Voices Spark Major Change

The Tucson city council made a unanimous decision on Wednesday to reject the proposed Project Blue data center, which was associated with Amazon. This decision came after growing public concern and frustration over the project’s lack of transparency.

“We can all agree this project got off on the wrong foot,” said council member Nikki Lee, who represents Ward 4. She emphasized that the current approach to building data centers is unsustainable and does not align with the desires of local residents.

Mayor Regina Romero echoed these sentiments, stating her commitment to protecting Tucson’s natural resources. She plans to introduce an ordinance to place limits on future data centers to prevent similar situations. “Tucsonans have spoken out loudly and clearly, and I hear you,” Romero said.

After the vote, the council chamber erupted in cheers from opponents of the project. Vivek Bharathan, a member of the No Desert Data Center group, expressed relief, calling the decision a “huge win.” He emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation about protecting Tucson’s environment from future data center developments.

Beale Infrastructure, the company behind Project Blue, expressed disappointment, stating the city missed an opportunity. They believe collaboration with the community is essential for these types of projects. They still hold an agreement for 290 acres of land nearby, which may allow them to explore options outside Tucson city limits.

The council’s decision doesn’t signify the end of discussions around data centers in the region. Following this event, the council plans to create new ordinances to ensure that large water users are held accountable and to update zoning requirements. These measures might be discussed as soon as the council meeting on August 19.

One of the outcomes of this situation is renewed discussion about a public power option in Tucson. Organizers have been advocating for the city to break its contract with Tucson Electric Power to create a local energy utility. Ward 2 council member Paul Cunningham raised concerns about how the energy demands of a data center could affect residential rates, especially in light of recent requests for a 14% rate hike by TEP.

“The flawed system we have worries me,” said Cunningham. “We need to address how these large developments impact our community.” His views reflect the growing sentiment among residents that public power could offer a more equitable solution, particularly after this experience. Lee Ziesche, an organizer for public power, shared her excitement about this shift in perspective among council members.

As Tucson takes steps to ensure responsible growth, this decision against Project Blue signals a shift in community engagement. Residents are making their voices heard, and city leaders are being held accountable for the development choices that affect their environment and quality of life.

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