Pulaski County Judge Vetoes Data Center Regulations

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde vetoed an ordinance on Friday that would have created a permitting process and regulations for large-scale data centers, which the measure described as high-intensity digital infrastructure. The veto follows an 11-4 vote by the Pulaski County Quorum Court on Tuesday to approve the measure.

Hyde argued that the ordinance exposes the county to unnecessary legal and financial risks, specifically citing potential litigation over vested rights and conflicts with state law regarding the appeals process. He further stated that the county lacks the resources to administer the program and warned that the regulations could lead to a loss of significant future tax revenue.

The regulatory push coincides with a proposal by AVAIO Digital Partners to construct a $6 billion data center campus in south Pulaski County near I-530. While Democratic nominee for county judge Wendell Griffin backed the proposed regulations, the measure now requires a three-fifths majority vote from the Quorum Court to override the veto at its next regular meeting.