Martin County advances proposed one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers
Martin County commissioners advanced a proposed one-year moratorium on accepting applications for large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. The pause would allow county staff to study potential impacts on water supplies, electricity demand, communities, wildlife and other natural resources before developing regulations.
Martin County commissioners advanced a proposed one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center applications during the first of two required public hearings. The measure would apply to unincorporated areas, where county staff said no such applications are currently pending.
Officials said the pause would provide time to assess data centers’ effects on water use, power demand, nearby communities and the environment, and to develop regulations for future projects. Speakers at the hearing supported the moratorium, and the second and final public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27, when commissioners could give the measure final approval.