Hillsborough votes to draft data center ban
Hillsborough County Commission unanimously voted to draft a one-year moratorium on data center development, following initial discussions for a longer ban. This action is intended to allow for studies into the potential environmental, water, electricity, and noise impacts of data centers on the community. The county currently has no pending data center applications and wishes to keep it that way until more information is available.
The Hillsborough County Commission in Florida has unanimously moved to draft a one-year moratorium on data center construction. This decision follows initial discussions for a five-year ban, which was shortened to one year due to legal considerations. The proposed moratorium aims to allow for comprehensive studies into the potential environmental, water, electricity, and noise impacts of data centers on local communities.
Commissioners Josh Wostal and Harry Cohen voiced significant concerns, emphasizing the "clear and imminent risks" and the "tremendous public fear" surrounding such developments, particularly regarding the county's "very, very precious" water supply. They stressed the need for developers to prove their projects would not burden the community.
Currently, Hillsborough County has no pending data center applications, and commissioners intend to maintain this status until sufficient information is gathered. The county's move follows similar actions taken by neighboring Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus Counties, as well as the City of Lakeland, which have also enacted moratoriums. Data center operators, however, argue that these facilities create jobs and tax revenue.
The draft moratorium will be prepared by the county attorney's office and will be subject to a future vote by the commission.