The Brief

Maricopa County Board Approves Controversial Data Center Near Luke Air Force Base

Supervisors grant permit for Project Baccara, a data center project near Luke Air Force Base, despite environmental and military compatibility concerns.

In a contentious decision, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a key permit for Project Baccara, a large-scale data center development near Surprise and Glendale in the West Valley. The project, which includes two data centers and a gas-powered facility, is situated on a 160-acre site near Luke Air Force Base. The board voted 4-1 to issue the military compatibility permit required for development near military installations. The approval has sparked significant debate among local residents and environmental advocates. Critics express concerns about the project's potential impact on the environment and its proximity to the military base. They argue that the development could lead to increased traffic, noise pollution, and potential conflicts with military operations. Additionally, the use of natural gas generators raises questions about the project's environmental footprint. Supporters of Project Baccara, including some local business leaders, contend that the data center will bring economic benefits to the region. They highlight the potential for job creation and the attraction of additional businesses to the area. Proponents argue that the development aligns with the county's goals for economic growth and technological advancement. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has emphasized the importance of balancing economic development with environmental and community considerations. Supervisor Thomas Galvin, who voted in favor of the project, stated, "We must ensure that our decisions support both economic growth and the well-being of our residents." As the project moves forward, ongoing discussions and evaluations will be crucial to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders. The county has indicated that it will continue to monitor the development closely to ensure compliance with all regulations and to mitigate any adverse effects on the community and the environment.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

'Very disappointed': Maricopa County supervisors approve Project Baccara — abc15.com
Project Baccara: West Valley data center clears Maricopa County hurdle | FOX 10 Phoenix — fox10phoenix.com
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Approves Tentative FY 2027 Budget — Maricopa County
Maricopa County Elections — elections.maricopa.gov
[YouTube] Stadium District Board Meeting June 19, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtKNIVTFqJ4 — youtube.com
[YouTube] Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting June 10, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRE2vn_FRIU — youtube.com
[YouTube] Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting May 20, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9TuWcgvxek — youtube.com
[YouTube] Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting May 18, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSRhiRGgRVw — youtube.com
Board of Supervisors Formal Meeting May 4, 2026 — YouTube · Maricopa County