Policy change made to promote data center transparency
Putnam County leaders unanimously approved a policy change requiring all inquiries and conversations regarding data center construction to be shared with the public and county commissioners for transparency. This decision followed significant public opposition and environmental concerns, particularly regarding water consumption and energy use. The county board plans to further discuss a temporary moratorium on data center permits and construction at a future meeting.
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a policy change on Tuesday that mandates all information and communications regarding data center construction inquiries be reported to County Administrator Terry Suggs, then shared with all five commissioners via one-on-one emails, and subsequently published online within 72 hours. Commissioner Josh Alexander proposed the policy to enhance transparency for constituents regarding potential data center developers in the community.
This policy enactment followed public comments from four individuals expressing opposition to data centers and advocating for a temporary building ban. Jessica Finch, a Marineland resident and community engagement coordinator for St. Johns Riverkeeper, voiced strong opposition, citing data centers' significant burdens on water, energy, and local ecosystems, particularly their high water consumption for cooling. Interlachen resident and attorney Michael Woodward addressed the board, highlighting potential legal complexities related to state legislation, specifically the conflicting Senate Bills 180 and 484, and recommended a one-year moratorium to establish adequate permanent regulations.
County Attorney Rich Komando informed the board that he is actively researching legal strategies for implementing a moratorium without incurring lawsuits, noting that other state governments are also exploring short-term moratoriums. The board intends to discuss a pause on data center permits and construction at its July 28 meeting, pending Komando's research findings.