Nassau County Commissioners hold first hearing on proposed data center moratorium

Nassau County, Florida, held its initial public hearing concerning a proposed one-year moratorium on data center proposals within the county. The ordinance, if approved, would temporarily halt new data center developments. This local action follows closely on the heels of Governor Ron DeSantis signing Senate Bill 484 into law, which introduces new restrictions for data center companies and aims to safeguard communities from potentially escalating water and power costs. Alyson McCullough, Chair of the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, expressed gratitude for the Governor's signing of SB484, stating it provides the necessary framework for the county's review over the next 12 months. McCullough urged residents to focus on facts rather than emotions when engaging with the process. However, local residents voiced strong opposition to data center development. Rene Scheewe, a new resident from Oregon, unequivocally stated, "No data centers, that's for sure," citing concerns about environmental destruction and rising water and energy prices for citizens. The second public hearing and a vote on the moratorium by County Commissioners are scheduled for June 8th.