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Key Points
The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-2 on October 16 to recommend approval of the Griffin Energy Project’s comprehensive plan amendment.
The 2,685-acre facility, proposed by Copia Power, combines solar panels, battery storage, and natural gas generation to supply power directly to a planned data center.
The project site is located southeast of Stanfield, Arizona, and extends on both sides of Interstate 8 between the Santa Rosa Wash and Greene Wash.
The project now moves to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration before rezoning or construction can begin.
Commissioners Tom Scott and Karen Mooney opposed the project, citing concerns about farmland loss, project scale, and temperature effects.
Developer representatives emphasized the project’s economic benefits, projecting $10 billion in investment, over $1.1 billion in tax revenue, and more than 1,000 jobs when paired with the data center.
Supporters argued the project helps repurpose farmland affected by the loss of CAP water, while critics raised concerns about open space, wildlife corridors, and dust control.
The project’s hybrid energy mix aims to provide price stability and attract large-scale industrial users seeking clean and reliable power.