Little Rock leaders weigh new rules for data centers as residents push back
Little Rock leaders weigh new rules for data centers as residents push back
Publish Date: 2026-06-02 23:14:00
Source Domain: katv.com
- Little Rock leaders are contemplating new regulations for large-scale data centers due to growing interest in AI infrastructure in Arkansas.
- A new ordinance proposes categorizing data centers into accessory, major, and hyperscale based on size and energy consumption.
- Hyperscale data centers would be those larger than 250,000 square feet, with high energy use, or consisting of multiple buildings (e.g., AVAIO and Google projects).
- The proposal imposes restrictions on operational impacts such as water consumption, generator emissions, noise levels, and minimum setbacks from residential areas (at least three football fields).
- Residents expressed concerns about the environmental impact, land use, and the benefits to local communities during a public meeting.
- Representatives from Google and Entergy argued that data centers provide essential services and could benefit the utility system without passing costs to existing customers.
- The Little Rock Board of Directors has voted to enact the new ordinance immediately.
