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Sinema Tells Chandler to Approve AI Data Center, Citing Looming Federal Preemption

The remarks heightened scrutiny of a Chandler rezoning for a $2.5 billion tech park heading to a November council vote.

Overview

  • In an Oct. 15 planning meeting, Kyrsten Sinema warned Chandler officials that the Trump administration’s AI action plan means federal preemption of local decisions is coming if they delay approval.
  • Video of the testimony shows Sinema saying her AI Infrastructure Coalition is working hand-in-glove with the administration to expand AI capacity nationwide.
  • Chandler’s planning and zoning commission voted 5–1 to recommend rezoning for the Price Road Innovation Campus, which includes a 420,000‑square‑foot data center proposed by New York-based Active Infrastructure.
  • A city council decision is expected in mid-November, with a vote listed for Nov. 13, following staff concerns that data centers yield fewer long-term jobs than targeted for the corridor.
  • Critics cited a Union of Concerned Scientists analysis estimating billions in added electricity costs from data centers, while others questioned Sinema’s post-Senate advocacy and adviser role at Hogan Lovells.