Attorney General Kris Mayes calls for pause on data center development – Mesa Legend

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called for a statewide pause on new data center development during a town hall meeting Wednesday, citing concerns about water supply, electricity costs and disrupting nearby neighborhoods. 

Ahead of midterm elections, Mayes held the meeting due to the increase in new data center development and the potential concerns for the communities hosting these facilities. Residents questioned whether the economic benefits outweighed the concerns about their environmental impact. 

Water and electricity use were a major topic of discussion. Residents raised concerns of how data centers could affect Arizona’s already low water resources, and whether expanding infrastructure would raise electricity bills. 

“Building out our energy infrastructure to accommodate data centers cannot happen on the backs of residential ratepayers or other businesses who are already facing higher energy costs,” said Mayes. 

Community members also discussed concerns about noise, dust, lighting and construction near neighborhoods. 

All but one resident opposed new data center development. Lisa Everett pointed to the potential economic impact of these projects, including possible tax revenue and jobs for the surrounding community.

One resident, Ana Marshall, described the effect of the nearby Ahwatukee Menlo Digital project, stating “My son’s bedroom faces directly toward the construction site, and we have been awoken at all hours of the night.”

Menlo Digital’s data center in Ahwatukee is drawing criticism for being built near residential neighborhoods, with controversy surrounding its potential effects on the community. 

The project in Ahwatukee was approved in 2024 and is currently under construction. The data center is described by Menlo as “a hyperscale campus opportunity, consisting of five buildings and a dedicated onsite substation.” 

The approved data center sits 150 feet away from homes, which worries residents. Residents stated the noise and dust from the construction is already disrupting their lives. 

“There’s been instances where we measure 110 decibels inside my son’s bedroom. I’m not talking in the afternoon. I’m talking early,” said Ahwatukee resident Ana Marshall. 

Mayes agreed with the residents, stating that Arizona needs greater transparency and accountability as more data centers are proposed. She also mentioned several principles for future development, such as protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring that local residents do not bear any consequences from these facilities.

The Attorney General did acknowledge she does not have the authority to sign a statewide moratorium, as a measure like that would require state legislature and governor approval.

Mayes also discussed the ongoing nuisance investigation involving the Ahwatukee Menlo Digital project. She stated her office is taking the matter seriously, and they will meet again soon in Ahwatukee.