As data center proposals multiply in Pima County and across Southern Arizona, we remain concerned about the environmental impacts these facilities can pose.
In both Pima and Pinal County, several proposals are still in early stages and others are now advancing through planning. We recognize that some projects are very likely move forward. This includes proposals such as Project Blue in Pima County, the Vermaland Project in Pinal County, and the Luckett Road proposals in northern Marana, along with others.
Because of this, the Coalition is working with local governments on the development of enforceable guardrails — including ordinances, zoning codes, and policies — to try to ensure that any approvals come with meaningful protections and real community benefits.
This includes updated zoning codes in Pima County and the City of Tucson — we are members of Tucson’s Data Centers Technical Advisory Committee as well as its Ad Hoc Committee on Large Quantity Water Users Ordinance, for example.
We want to see stronger mitigation measures for each proposed project to try to ensure our water, energy infrastructure, landscape, and community receives due compensation for the risks presented by these developments.
Pima County’s recent, and disappointing, vote
The Coalition is disappointed by Pima County’s addendum item on its Board of Supervisors meeting agenda this week, with its public hearing that was scheduled for late in Tuesday’s meeting (December 16, 2025) and that resulted in a 3-2 vote in favor of a community benefits agreement with Project Blue’s Humphrey’s Peak Properties, L.L.C. Community benefits must have the input of our community. The lack of consultation and transparency further cements public lack of trust in our county on this issue.
Above all, we remain committed to safeguarding the region’s water — a shared resource — and advocating for a transition to cleaner energy sources. We also continue to advocate for the appropriate siting (i.e location) of industrial projects as part of our land use work.
These priorities will continue to guide our engagement with elected officials, policymakers and developers. We are grateful to have many partners in this work, including our coalition members and the Watershed Management Group. And we welcome your feedback, input, and support as we navigate these rapidly-evolving proposals together.
