The Pulaski County Quorum Court voted Tuesday to place a 12-month moratorium on data center construction in the county, except for two ongoing projects.
The projects currently under construction and not impacted by the moratorium are located near Sweet Home and near Wrightsville. All other projects will be stopped for the year.
Justices of the peace said the motivation behind the vote was to allow more time to ask questions about the data centers, develop a land-use plan and hear more from the community.
“That is my desire, that is my dream that we get a land-use plan in place, as well as talk to, you know, talk to our community, let them know what’s happening,” said JP Donna Massy as reported by THV11. “It’s going to affect that community directly, but it’s going to impact all of Pulaski County. We could all possibly feel the effects of a data center if things don’t go well.”
Community members voiced concerns about water and electricity costs rising because of the amount of juice required by the data centers.
Officials from Entergy Arkansas and Central Arkansas Water told those in attendance that rates would not go up and the data centers would pay for any upgrades themselves.
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