Lakeland, Florida, Considers One-Year Data Center Moratorium
Lakeland, Florida, city leaders are considering a one-year moratorium on new large-scale computing facilities, including data centers, due to concerns about the city's electrical grid capacity. Public hearings are underway, with residents expressing concerns about noise, water use, energy consumption, and traffic. Developers of projects like 'Project Swan' are also speaking on the issue.
Lakeland, Florida, city leaders are deliberating a proposed year-long moratorium on new large-scale computing facilities, including data centers. The city held its initial public hearing on the matter, with two additional hearings scheduled for July 20th and August 3rd.
The proposed ordinance aims to provide the city with time to gather further information on data centers and significant electric customers utilizing 50 megawatts or more monthly. Mayor Sarah McCarley highlighted that the city's current electrical grid cannot accommodate such high demand, noting that the largest current users draw only 18 megawatts. Taylor Low Miller, the developer of 'Project Swan,' a 500,000-square-foot cloud data storage edge facility, stated his project would require 100 megawatts if Lakeland Electric had the capacity. Miller emphasized the developer's willingness to partner with the city and fund necessary infrastructure, adding that the facility would not typically use water for cooling, but a nearby wastewater treatment plant could serve as a backup if needed.
Numerous residents voiced support for the temporary pause during public comment, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation. Common concerns included noise pollution, water and energy consumption, traffic, impact on local wildlife, potential surveillance issues, and health impacts, such as intensified migraines from constant humming. Carla Byron of Fox 13 News reported on the ongoing discussions.