Gilbert leaders want strict rules on data centers, making it as hard as possible for the massive server farms to set up shop in town. Councilmembers were expected to take up those new rules in September. However, a town spokesperson said the new rules won’t be addressed until sometime in October or November. The move comes amid pushback from residents across the Valley and the country about data center development raising concerns about pollution, water and energy use. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called for a halt to new data center development in late August, citing Colorado River water cuts, and a new state law in June that put a three-year moratorium on tax breaks for data center development.

Other data center water use news:

• The Fresno Bee (Calif.): Data center moratorium extended in Tulare County, as community calls for permanent ban
• Utility Dive: California tightens oversight of data center energy use, grid costs
• Laramie Boomerang (Wyo.): Opinion: It’s Wyoming leaders’ chance to define responsible data center development