Grant County Residents Protest Proposed Data and Solar Center by Clean Cloud Energy

Residents in Grant County, Arkansas, protested against a proposed data center and solar project by Clean Cloud Energy on the courthouse steps in Sheridan. The project encompasses 753 acres for a data center and 3,200 acres for solar energy, raising concerns about its impact on property values and quality of life.

In October, the Grant County Quorum Court passed a resolution allowing further investigation into the project, but no agreement has been finalized. Concerns include potential noise and light pollution.

Clean Cloud Energy is seeking a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement, which would reduce the project's tax burden. County leaders are considering negotiations to influence the project's design. Currently, Arkansas hosts nine data centers, including a $4 billion Google AI facility in West Memphis.