Arkansas Data Centers Act

Fayetteville is considering new regulations for data centers to protect utility customers, water supplies, and local control. Five data center projects have been announced statewide, including AVAIO's $6 billion Pulaski County campus, Google projects in West Memphis and Little Rock, Serverfarm in Clarksville, and an unnamed Conway proposal. Data centers require massive power and water but often produce fewer permanent jobs than manufacturing. Some worry they could increase electric rates; economist Jeremy Horpedahl estimates a 1% to 1.5% total rise.