Google's Billion-Dollar Solar Deal Sparks Freedom of the Press Fight in Arkansas

A court battle has erupted over the release of confidential documents related to Google's massive data center in West Memphis, Arkansas.

The documents, obtained through an Open Records request by Central Arkansas resident Jessica Kivell, reveal that Google will pay Entergy Arkansas more than $526 million to build a solar project to help power its data center.

This solar project, known as Cypress Solar, is expected to cost around $1.6 billion and includes a 600-megawatt solar field and 350-megawatt battery facility.

Entergy Arkansas has filed a complaint in federal court against the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Arkansas Times, alleging that they have published confidential information mistakenly released by the Arkansas Public Service Commission.