No plans approved for potential AI data center in Nassau County

First Coast News reported on community concerns regarding a potential AI data center in Nassau County, Florida. An AI energy company, Next NRG, announced in September that it had secured a long-term lease for 1,600 acres, with potential expansion to 6,000 acres, for an AI data center in Nassau County, strategically located near Jacksonville International Airport. However, Nassau County Commissioner Allison McCullough confirmed that no plans for an AI data center have been approved, nor have any permits been filed. She emphasized that any large-scale development must go through the county's public development review committee, a process Next NRG has not yet initiated. A spokesperson for Next NRG declined to comment on specific lease agreements or project statuses but stated their commitment to engaging with communities and stakeholders. Residents like Corey Carter of Hilliard expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about potential electromagnetic frequencies and water shortages, vowing to fight the project if it moves forward. Commissioner McCullough noted the paradox of anti-data center sentiment among consumers of data, highlighting the need for infrastructure. The state legislature recently passed a bill requiring AI data center companies to pay their own utilities but also allowing them to conceal development plans from the public for up to a year. This bill awaits the governor's signature, after which Nassau County plans to establish its own data center policies.