The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Independence County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Independence County has enacted a five-year countywide pause on constructing commercial data centers, including new projects and expansions. It does not expressly prohibit operating existing centers.
Rating from Arkansas statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Independence County.
Specific to Independence County only.
current law · County measureProhibits construction of commercial data centers in Independence County for five years while the county studies their impacts and develops regulations.Arkansas Independence County Ordinance No. 2026-21 (2026)
What this means
The measure creates a countywide five-year pause on constructing commercial data centers, a major barrier to new projects and expansions during that period. It does not expressly ban operating existing centers, but the long pause makes development substantially harder while the county studies possible future rules.
Timing
- Ends
- Aug 31, 2031
People behind it
- Independence County Quorum Court
Enacted Ordinance No. 2026-21, imposing the moratorium and providing time to study data centers and draft regulations (“give the Quorum Court time to investigate”).
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A countywide moratorium bars construction of commercial data centers for five years, ending Aug. 31, 2031 (five-year moratorium on commercial data centers within the county).
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data