The city of Tucson, Arizona, has been grappling with the contentious issue of a proposed large-scale datacenter, known as Project Blue, which has sparked intense community opposition. The project, backed by the developer Beale Infrastructure, aims to occupy 290 acres in Pima County, making it the largest development in the county's history. The $3.6 billion endeavor faced significant backlash due to its substantial water and electricity demands, as well as the developers' lack of transparency. The community's concerns escalated after the city council's June 17th vote, with the project's water usage becoming a central point of contention.
Datacenters, essential for AI computing and data-intensive operations, have been a growing concern in the US. The Tucson project, however, ignited a heated debate over water usage, with the community worried about groundwater depletion and contamination. The city has historically prioritized water conservation, making the issue even more sensitive. Beale Infrastructure's initial plans were criticized for their potential environmental impact, with the company's lack of detailed water usage information adding to the controversy.
The situation in Tucson mirrors broader trends across the country. Other cities, like Memphis and Phoenix, have also faced resistance to datacenters due to environmental concerns and the potential strain on local resources. High-profile projects in northern Virginia, St. Charles, Missouri, and Indiana have been postponed or canceled due to local pushback. The secrecy surrounding these projects has only fueled community outrage.
The Tucson project's controversy has had a significant impact on local politics. The city council's decision to discontinue discussions with Beale Infrastructure was met with cheers from the public. The council's new rules aim to increase transparency and oversight over water usage, setting a precedent for future data center proposals. The debate has also sparked discussions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of public utility ownership, with some council members advocating for a public power model.
The issue extends beyond water usage, as the energy demands of datacenters have become a national concern. The air-cooled system proposed by Beale Infrastructure, while using less water, still raises electricity consumption concerns. The private utility TEP's involvement in the project has faced scrutiny, with locals protesting against the proposed rate hike. The debate over the project's impact on Tucson's politics and the broader implications for other cities across the country continues, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the environmental and social costs of such large-scale infrastructure projects.
