Castor opposes data centers in Hillsborough County

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) sent a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners on September 10, outlining her strong opposition to the siting of data centers in the county. Castor highlighted several significant concerns, including the potential for data center development to drive up electric and water bills for local residents, farmers, and small businesses. She noted that Hillsborough County has seen average electric utility bills increase by over 40% in the last five years.

Castor, who serves as the ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, is leading a bipartisan "Ratepayer Protection Act" in Congress. This proposed federal bill aims to require data centers to bear the full costs of their energy demand, thereby protecting ratepayers from associated price hikes. She emphasized that decisions on data center siting and permitting should remain under local control.

Furthermore, Rep. Castor expressed deep concern about the immense water usage by data centers for cooling, particularly in Florida, which is already grappling with water resource pressures from population growth and climate challenges. She pointed out that Hillsborough County is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions, straining public water supplies and impacting farming communities. Castor also criticized a new state law allowing nondisclosure agreements for data centers, arguing that such lack of transparency undermines public trust and prevents residents from understanding the full environmental, economic, and infrastructural impacts. She called on the Hillsborough County Board to act decisively to protect residents and prioritize public interest over private profit.