Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) is leading Arizona Democrats in demanding answers on proposals to build data centers on federal land in a recent letter.
The Context
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently confirmed it is reviewing data center-related proposals on public land in Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah, although local officials allege they have not been informed of the scope of these projects.
Stanton's Letter
As a result, Rep. Stanton led Arizona lawmakers in demanding answers on what exactly is planned for Arizona, writing, "Executive Order 14318 established an expedited permitting process for data centers, but the order did not waive existing federal permitting, environmental review, or Tribal consultation requirements, including permits under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act."
"We need greater clarity on how Interior's legal obligations will be carried out, including what permitting processes, public notice, and opportunities for public engagement will apply, should these projects move forward," Rep. Stanton continued.
Data centers demand immense amounts of water, and Arizona is already under pressure to ensure residents have enough.
Hence, the Arizona congressman wanted exact information on every pending data center or data center-related right-of-way application in Arizona, the level of environmental review the Department of the Interior will apply to these proposals, the public process, and projected water demand of these proposed data centers.
"Arizonans are entitled to transparency and robust public review as BLM considers such developments on our federal lands," Stanton's letter concluded.
Previous Developments
Last September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced simplified approval processes for companies building large-scale energy facilities, data centers, and manufacturing plants nationwide.
"For years, Clean Air Act permitting has been an obstacle to innovation and growth," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, adding, "We are continuing to fix this broken system. Today's guidance is another step to allow the build-out of essential power generation, data centers, and manufacturing projects that will bring about America's Golden Age."
