Protect Surprise & West Valley from a 700 MW Gas Power Plant
Takanock LLC wants to build a massive data center complex with 18 jet turbine generators just half a mile from Surprise city limits — in one of the most air-polluted counties in America. The Arizona Corporation Commission has already approved the environmental certificate. Maricopa County is our last chance to stop this.
On February 4, 2026, the Arizona Corporation Commission voted 5-0 to approve the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility for Project Baccara. The Line Siting Committee had previously approved it 8-1 in December 2025. Our fight now moves to Maricopa County — where the Military Compatibility Permit and Board of Supervisors approval are still required.
Over 5,000 signatures on the Stop Baccara petition. Over 1,000 members in the Project Baccara Opposition Facebook group. Similar data center projects were stopped in Chandler and Tucson through community pressure in 2025. This IS stoppable.
The Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously approved Project Baccara's Certificate of Environmental Compatibility despite significant community opposition.
"I don't believe that this is a good location for the project. The air quality issues in this area concern me immensely. To add a power plant to this populated area is not the right move." — Margaret Little, Line Siting Committee Member
Sources: Arizona Daily Independent | National Today
Major media coverage of growing community opposition to Project Baccara.
"Hopefully our lawmakers and those that are elected are paying attention to what's going on." — April Butler, Surprise Resident
Source: ABC15
Opposition to data centers is spreading across the Valley, with major projects being stopped.
Source: KTAR
West Valley residents expressed strong opposition at public meetings about the project.
"When I wake up and step out of my home to enjoy the quiet of the morning, I envision a future view of 18 72-foot-tall exhaust stacks, breathing poisoned air and hearing the constant hum of jet engine turbines." — Hollie Tolmachoff, West Valley Resident
Source: Blaze Radio / ASU
What we know about Project Baccara — documented and sourced.
The real impact on our community — with evidence.
Maricopa County is already among the most air-polluted counties in the United States. Adding 18 natural gas jet turbines with 72-foot exhaust stacks will increase emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter in an area where air quality already threatens public health.
The EPA's Clean Air Act requires areas to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards — Maricopa County has historically struggled with ozone and particulate matter compliance.
Source: American Lung Association
The project is estimated to use nearly 59 million gallons of water annually to cool the 18 power plant jet turbines. In Arizona, where water is a precious and increasingly scarce resource, this consumption is unsustainable.
While Takanock claims they will use cooled chillers instead of evaporative coolers, the city has NOT independently verified these claims.
Source: Change.org Petition
Residents describe the anticipated noise as "the constant hum of jet engine turbines." The facility would operate 24/7, disrupting sleep and quality of life for thousands of families in the surrounding area.
The city has requested noise studies, but no independent verification has occurred.
Source: Blaze Radio
The proximity of a massive industrial facility with exhaust stacks and noise presents a financial threat to homeowners, many of whom have invested their life savings in these homes.
Industrial facilities near residential areas have been shown to depress property values by 10-25% in multiple studies.
Source: Change.org Petition
Data centers generate massive amounts of heat. Combined with 18 natural gas turbines, this facility will contribute to localized temperature increases — worsening an already extreme heat problem in the Phoenix metro area.
Families moved to this area for its rural character and peaceful environment. This massive industrial complex threatens everything they chose this community for.
"Race across the grass, check on our neighbor's cattle and catch toads at sunset. This is the life we hoped for. Project Baccara, planned just a half mile from our home, is threatening all of this." — Resident testimony
Where the project stands — and where we can still fight.
✘ APPROVED — ACC voted 5-0 on Feb 4, 2026
Line Siting Committee approved 8-1 in December 2025. This hurdle is passed.
⏳ PENDING — Required from Maricopa County
Because the site is near Luke Air Force Base, this permit is required. This is an opportunity for opposition.
⏳ PENDING — Public hearings upcoming
The project is in second submittal stage. P&Z hearings are the next step. This is where public comment matters most.
⏳ PENDING — Final decision authority
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has final say. Community pressure at this level has stopped similar projects before.
Community pressure works. Keep showing up.
What you can do today to help stop Project Baccara.
Join over 5,000 residents who have already signed the Stop Project Baccara petition.
Connect with over 1,000 members in the Project Baccara Opposition Facebook group. Get updates, share information, and coordinate.
Submit formal comments opposing the project. Comments become part of the official record and MUST be considered.
The project is currently in second submittal stage. Hearings before Planning & Zoning Commission are coming.
The Board has final approval authority. Let them know their constituents oppose this project.
Show up to Planning & Zoning Commission meetings and Board of Supervisors hearings. Numbers matter.
Check the P&Z Commission calendar for meeting dates.
While the project is in unincorporated county land, Surprise is requesting thorough review. Push them to formally oppose the project.
Know the facts when the conversation gets hard. Click to expand.
The developer claims approximately 100 permanent jobs and $50 million in tax revenue. But at what cost?
We're not anti-data-center. We're against putting a 700 MW gas power plant next to residential neighborhoods in one of the most polluted counties in America.
The "bring your own power" model is being marketed as a benefit, but it comes with significant downsides:
The site is zoned IND-3 (industrial), but the reality is more complicated:
Just because something CAN be built somewhere doesn't mean it SHOULD be.
The ACC approval was narrow in scope and didn't address all concerns:
"The air quality issues in this area concern me immensely. To add a power plant to this populated area is not the right move." — Margaret Little, Committee Member (voted against)
Community opposition has stopped similar projects before — in Arizona and across the country:
The petition has 5,000+ signatures. The Facebook group has 1,000+ members. People are showing up. This is how projects get stopped.
Make your voice heard at every level.
Final approval authority. Your district supervisor needs to hear from you.
Find Your Supervisor →Push for formal opposition resolution. The project is half a mile from city limits.
Contact Council →AG Mayes has pursued legal challenges against other controversial projects. Make her aware of community concerns.
Contact AG →Request independent air quality impact assessment.
Contact MCAQD →State representatives can apply pressure and propose protective legislation.
Find Legislators →Send to Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Planning & Development.
Dear [Supervisor Name / Planning & Development],
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Project Baccara, the proposed data center and 700 MW natural gas power plant planned for the Bullard Avenue and Olive Avenue area in unincorporated Maricopa County.
While the Arizona Corporation Commission has approved the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility, significant concerns remain that must be addressed before any county permits are issued:
Air Quality: Maricopa County is already among the most air-polluted counties in the United States. Adding 18 natural gas jet turbine generators with 72-foot exhaust stacks will worsen air quality for thousands of residents. Line Siting Committee member Margaret Little voted against the project specifically because "the air quality issues in this area concern me immensely."
Water Usage: The project is estimated to use approximately 59 million gallons of water annually. In a water-scarce desert environment, this consumption must be independently verified and scrutinized.
Community Impact: The nearest residents are approximately 500 meters from the site. Over 5,000 people have signed a petition opposing this project. Similar data center projects were rejected in Chandler and Tucson after community opposition.
I urge you to:
1. Require independent air quality, noise, and water impact studies — not just developer-provided assessments
2. Hold public hearings with adequate notice and accessibility
3. Consider the cumulative impact on a region that already struggles with air quality compliance
4. Deny the Military Compatibility Permit and Plan of Development until all concerns are addressed
This project may bring some jobs and tax revenue, but not at the cost of our air quality, water resources, property values, and quality of life.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
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