David Jolly calls for data center moratorium
Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly is advocating for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers in Florida, citing environmental and security concerns. This stance creates a point of contention with Republican candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who supports data center development but has proposed legislation to address resource consumption. The debate is a significant issue in the Governor's race and has led to several local governments enacting bans or moratoriums on data centers.
David Jolly, a likely Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Florida, has called for a statewide moratorium on AI data centers if he wins the November election. Jolly's position is rooted in concerns over protecting water, the workforce, and Floridian's way of life, highlighting perceived gaps in environmental protections, privacy, security rules, and economic benefits from current data center laws. His campaign suggests that U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a likely Republican gubernatorial nominee, is vulnerable on this issue, referencing Donalds' past advocacy for using "pristine" state land for development and his filing of the federal "Protecting Ratepayers Act" to require data centers to use alternative power and water sources.
Donalds has defended data center development in Florida, arguing that new facilities are less resource-intensive and that in-state data storage offers greater security. He has promoted solutions like small modular nuclear reactors, micronuclear reactors, and closed-loop water filtration systems. However, Mark Riddle, Jolly for Governor Senior Advisor, criticized Donalds for his ties to data center developers, asserting that Jolly would prioritize voters.
The data center debate has become a key issue in the Governor's race and has also seen legislative action. Despite Gov. Ron DeSantis's efforts, a proposed "AI Bill of Rights" failed in the House. However, legislation (SB 484) was signed into law this year, mandating data centers cover their utility and infrastructure costs, enabling the use of reclaimed water for cooling, and requiring large water users to submit detailed water use and conservation plans. The new state law also empowers local governments to implement comprehensive planning and land development regulations for data centers. Consequently, Jackson, Wakulla, and Walton counties have already banned data centers, with at least nine other jurisdictions imposing temporary moratoriums, reflecting significant public opposition with recent polling showing 68% of Florida voters against data centers in their area.