Palm Beach County passes AI data center moratorium, but Project Tango vote is still on

Palm Beach County, Florida, has enacted a moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centers, though the measure specifically exempts the controversial Project Tango proposal in Loxahatchee. The Palm Beach County Commission is scheduled to make a final decision on Project Tango on July 15, following a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission to deny the project.

Ernie Cox, manager for Project Tango, provided WPTV with a tour of the proposed site, emphasizing the project's economic benefits, including 1,700 construction jobs, 500-600 permanent positions, and up to $500 million in annual tax revenue for the county. The site previously received approval in 2016 for a data center and warehouse, and the current vote involves modifying this original plan to expand data center and warehouse space.

Cox addressed community concerns regarding noise and water consumption, stating that the revised plan expands data center buildings to 1.5 million square feet, relocates cooling equipment to reduce noise, and utilizes a closed-loop cooling system that consumes approximately 5,000 gallons of water daily, significantly less than an evaporative system. He highlighted the proximity to the West County Energy Center as a key factor for reliable power. Despite Cox's assurances, the Planning and Zoning staff noted that the site could ultimately be developed for 100% data center use, totaling over 3.5 million square feet, a possibility Cox denied.