Democratic gubernatorial nominee, running mate talk AI data center during Panama City visit
Democratic gubernatorial candidates David Jolly and Gwen Graham proposed a one-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers during a visit to Panama City, citing environmental concerns over water supply, noise pollution, and public health. This proposal comes as Panama City and Bay County have already implemented local moratoriums on data center applications and construction.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly and his running mate, Gwen Graham, visited Panama City to discuss the future of artificial intelligence data centers in Northwest Florida. During their campaign stop, the candidates proposed an immediate, one-year statewide moratorium on the construction of hyperscale AI data centers.
The Democratic ticket, joined by local environmental advocates, argued that rapid data center development threatens Florida's natural resources, specifically highlighting the strain on the state’s water supply and aquifer, noise pollution, and potential public health risks. Jolly emphasized that a temporary moratorium would allow the state crucial time to study the long-term environmental, economic, and health impacts of the technology, noting that voters across Florida are expressing concerns about data centers.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds responded to the proposal, asserting that current Florida law provides protections for ratepayers and the environment, and he has filed federal legislation to further protect ratepayers. He criticized Jolly's proposal as