Pasco County Planning Commission Recommends Moratorium on Data Centers
The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended a one-year moratorium on data centers to allow staff to develop regulations for the industry. This decision followed strong public opposition due to concerns about water and electricity consumption, and environmental impacts in the fast-growing county. The moratorium awaits final approval from the Board of County Commissioners.
The Pasco County Planning Commission has voted to recommend a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers and other large load customers. This decision, made on June 11 at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City, came after a three-and-a-half-hour discussion dominated by public opposition. Residents expressed significant concerns regarding the potential impacts of data centers on the county's water and electricity resources, as well as environmental sensitivities in the rapidly developing area.
Local residents and activists, including Stephanie Vazquez of Wesley Chapel and Cindy Skarda of San Antonio, urged the county to pause data center development, citing the ongoing drought and stress on the county's water aquifer. Marilyn Holleran, president of the Pasco County chapter of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, highlighted climate change concerns, asserting that hyperscale data centers are major sources of carbon emissions and heat.
David Engel, the Planning & Economic Growth Director, explained that the moratorium is necessary because Pasco County's existing land development code lacks specific regulations for data centers. The temporary ban would allow staff to study their impacts and develop appropriate zoning and environmental standards. The moratorium is not intended as a permanent ban but aims to provide regulatory clarity.
Developer David Miltenberger, CEO of Stellaris Data Centers, presented plans for a 19.9-megawatt facility, arguing its efficiency and lower water usage compared to hyperscale centers. However, Engel clarified that Pasco County currently does not permit any data centers, including Miltenberger's proposed project, underscoring the urgency for new regulations. The Board of County Commissioners has already signaled its support for the moratorium, which now awaits their final approval.