Little Rock Faces Controversy Over Proposed Datacenters Amid Community Concerns
In Little Rock, Arkansas, two proposed hyperscale datacenters have sparked controversy and community opposition. Google plans to develop a $1 billion datacenter at the Port of Little Rock, while Avaio proposes a $6 billion project in rural Pulaski County. The projects have faced backlash due to concerns over water and electricity usage, potential environmental impact, and the appropriation of rural, Black-owned land for industrial purposes. Local activists and residents have expressed their objections, citing fears of increased utility costs and the lack of local job opportunities. Despite public pressure, Arkansas state law prohibits outright bans on datacenters, complicating efforts to halt the developments. 
