In the heart of Arizona, a battle is brewing, and it's not just about a datacenter. It's a fight for the future of a community, a struggle that has ignited passions and divided opinions. Welcome to the story of Tucson's stand against Project Blue, a tale that highlights the complex interplay between technology, economics, and the environment.
The Datacenter Dilemma: A Community's Fight for Survival
Project Blue, a massive datacenter proposed by Beale Infrastructure, has become a lightning rod for controversy in Tucson. Spanning 290 acres, it would be the largest development in Pima County and a significant player in the state's AI boom. But here's where it gets controversial: the project's impact on water and energy resources has sparked a fierce backlash from the community.
The $3.6 billion project caught Tucsonans off guard when the county board of supervisors approved the sale and rezoning of land for it on June 17th. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of emotions and actions. Michael Bogan, an aquatic ecologist, described it as the craziest seven weeks in Tucson's history.
This episode is a microcosm of a larger trend: the secretive and aggressive push by tech companies to build datacenters across the US. Communities are faced with tough choices, weighing economic promises against environmental concerns. And Tucson is not alone; similar battles are playing out in Memphis, Phoenix, and beyond.
Water Wars: Tucson's Protective Ethos
Tucson has a long-standing commitment to water conservation, and this ethos is at the heart of the community's opposition to Project Blue. Ed Hendel, president of Sky Island AI, a Tucson-based company, emphasizes that the city's protective nature sets it apart from many other communities. Datacenters, with their water-intensive operations, are seen as a threat to this precious resource.
Datacenters use water for humidity control and computer cooling, often through steam-based systems. Communities across the US have witnessed the detrimental effects of datacenters on groundwater, with depletion and contamination becoming real concerns. In Tucson, where water is a precious commodity, the proposed datacenter's water usage has become a major point of contention.
Beale's initial lack of transparency regarding water usage only fueled the fire. In the absence of clear details, Bogan analyzed the project's potential impact, concluding that it could significantly harm the Santa Cruz River and its ecosystem.
Beyond Water: The Bigger Picture
But it's not just about water. Beale Infrastructure's connection to Amazon Web Services (AWS) has raised further concerns. A local news site revealed that Pima County staff had a memo stating AWS's involvement in financing Project Blue. This revelation sparked outrage among community members, many of whom are frustrated with Amazon's anti-union actions and its ties to the Trump administration.
The timing of a proposed rate increase by Tucson Electric Power (TEP) also added fuel to the fire. Many assumed the increase was related to Project Blue, further stoking community anger. However, TEP clarified that the increase was unrelated, based on costs incurred before the project was even proposed.
A Summer of Outrage and Action
As summer progressed, opposition to Project Blue grew stronger. Eliseo Gomez, a local teacher and organizer, rallied a small group after the June 17th vote. They targeted the annexation vote, creating a website and social media channels to encourage people to voice their concerns.
The city organized public meetings, but the majority of attendees were clearly opposed. Union members, enticed by job promises, formed a supportive minority. As the meetings progressed, tensions rose, with attendees feeling their concerns were being ignored or dodged.
By the second meeting on August 4th, locals were fed up. Beale executives' lack of detailed information incensed the crowd, making it difficult for presenters to continue. Many citizens presented their own research, highlighting the lack of transparency from the city.
On August 6th, in an unexpected vote, council members unanimously decided to discontinue discussions with Beale. Tucsonans celebrated, feeling a sense of victory. But the fight wasn't over.
A New Design, A New Battle
Beale proposed a new design in September, an air-cooled system that uses less water. While this design may address water concerns, it highlights the enormous energy costs associated with datacenters. A report to Congress estimates datacenters consumed 4.4% of the nation's electricity in 2023, a figure that could rise significantly by 2028.
The involvement of TEP has brought scrutiny to the private utility, with locals protesting at its headquarters. The mayor and council have announced their intention to intervene in TEP's rate hike request, concerned about the impact on families and small businesses.
The saga has also raised the possibility of Tucson pursuing a public utility to replace TEP when its contract is up for review in 2025, an idea that has gained traction among some council members.
A Call to Action: Drawing the Line
Lane Santa Cruz, the vice-mayor, puts it best: "What's happening here isn't unique. Cities across the country are being sold the same story. But what's not being talked about is who really benefits and what it costs us." These projects, she argues, are often extractive, taking a community's resources while providing few benefits.
Tucson's fight against Project Blue is a call to action for communities across the nation. It's a reminder that we must carefully consider the long-term impacts of technological advancements and ensure that they benefit the community as a whole. As Santa Cruz says, "We need to be the city that draws the line."
So, what do you think? Is Tucson's stand against Project Blue a necessary step to protect its resources and community, or is it an overreaction to a necessary technological advancement? Let's discuss in the comments!
