TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A proposed data center in rural Cochise County is drawing mixed reactions from residents following a community meeting hosted by SpaceX on Wednesday evening.
Residents gathered at Cochise Elementary to learn more about the proposed development and raise questions about its potential impact on the surrounding community.
Elon Musk.(Mark Schiefelbein | AP)
Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, made news earlier this week when he claimed cooling data centers would be easier in space than on Earth.
The project, proposed near the Apache Generating Station along U.S. Highway 191, would cover approximately 747 acres and include nine data center buildings used for artificial intelligence operations.
According to a special use application filed with Cochise County under Tombstone Resources LLC, the facility would require up to 6,000 megawatts, or six gigawatts, of electricity at full build-out. That would make it one of the largest proposed data center developments in the country by electricity demand.
A map of the proposed facility’s footprint can be seen below.
A proposed 747-acre data center would be built along US 191 in unincorporated Cochise County.(Cochise County)
The applicant claims the project could create thousands of construction jobs and potentially lower electricity bills for customers.
For some residents, the proposed development represents an opportunity for the future.
“We need AI centers. It’s the future,” said Herald Satterlee, who attended Wednesday’s meeting.
Others expressed concerns about the project and whether enough information has been provided to the community.
“We don’t know enough, therefore just say no,” said Michael Gregory, another attendee.
During the meeting, residents also raised questions about water usage, wildlife, and noise levels.
The application outlines plans to use a dry-cooling system to reduce water consumption, along with other proposed measures intended to address environmental impacts.
Jason Bowling, CEO of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, acknowledged the different opinions surrounding the project.
“There are some that are excited about it and some that are concerned about it. All of that is valid,” Bowling said. “The concerns are valid, and the excitement is valid, and I think we just need to let the facts come out and let folks evaluate it for themselves.”
While SpaceX hosted the meeting, the special use application identifies Tombstone Resources LLC as the applicant. The exact relationship between the two companies is unclear.
13 News reached out to SpaceX for an interview during Wednesday’s meeting, but a representative was not available for comment.
No decision has been made on the proposed development.
The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a formal public hearing on Dec. 9.
More information about the project can be found HERE.
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