Hillsborough County commissioners have taken the first step towards a moratorium on data centers, citing concerns over the potential impact on local communities and the environment. The commission voted to draft a one-year moratorium, which would block the construction of new data centers in the area.

Commissioner Concerns

Commissioners originally requested a five-year moratorium, but due to legal issues, they agreed to ask for a draft of a one-year moratorium instead. They are also insisting on a study to help understand how county water could be used by data centers if they are eventually built in the area.

Commissioner Josh Wostal expressed concerns over the potential risks to the community, stating that data centers need to provide proof of their engineering requirements and ensure they will not be a nuisance or burden on the community. Commissioner Harry Cohen also voiced concerns, stating that the county needs more information before considering any data center applications.

Regional Context

Hillsborough County would join Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties, as well as the City of Lakeland, in having a moratorium on data centers. Data center operators argue that they can create jobs and generate tax revenue, but state officials have spoken out against their construction.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.