Pasco County holds first scheduled public hearing on imposing a one-year moratorium for data centers
Pasco County Commissioners are considering a one-year moratorium on data center approvals and construction, with the first of two public hearings recently held in New Port Richey. Residents voiced significant concerns regarding potential environmental impacts, particularly on water and electricity resources, despite one data center representative advocating for smaller, low-impact facilities. A second hearing and vote are scheduled for July 14 in Dade City.
Pasco County Commissioners held the first of two public hearings regarding a proposed one-year moratorium on data center development, including new project approvals and construction. The meeting in New Port Richey saw a packed board room where the majority of residents expressed strong opposition to data centers, citing concerns about environmental impacts, land use, and the demand for electricity and water resources.
Resident Ann Falber highlighted ongoing drought conditions and questioned the rationale for considering data centers given the water scarcity. Commissioner Jack Mariano acknowledged the public feedback, stating that the proposed moratorium would allow time for research, public input, and the development of local policies to govern future data center construction. He emphasized that it would not be a permanent ban.
David Miltenberger, representing Stellaris Data Centers, paradoxically supported the one-year moratorium while also advocating for a path to remain open for smaller, low-impact facilities like his own, which he claimed would require fewer resources. The county is expected to hold a second hearing and vote on the moratorium on July 14 in Dade City. The article also noted similar moratoriums recently approved in Citrus County, proposed in Lakeland, and awaiting a vote in Zephyrhills.