Can Nassau County stop mega data centers? Legal warning dominates public workshop
Nassau County commissioners are considering strict data center development standards rather than an outright ban after the county attorney warned that a prohibition could face legal challenges. Residents are pressing for stronger setbacks and protections related to noise, groundwater, wastewater, wildlife and other impacts while the county continues studying the issue under a 12-month moratorium.
Nassau County commissioners held their first public workshop on proposed data center regulations following a 12-month moratorium adopted in June. County Attorney Denise May warned that an outright ban could be vulnerable to legal challenges because data centers may qualify as permitted uses under existing rules, leading officials to focus on enforceable standards for setbacks, noise, water use and other impacts.
Residents and committee members called for stronger protections, including larger setbacks, safeguards for groundwater and private wells, wastewater controls, renewable-energy requirements, wildlife protections and higher penalties for violations. The draft regulations remain advisory and have not been adopted; a second workshop is scheduled for Nov. 9, with a final report expected Nov. 25 and an adoption hearing planned for January.