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Residents raise water, light and noise concerns about data centers; lobbyists say state law aims to limit utility cost-shifts
Summary
A resident urged commissioners to weigh environmental and quality-of-life impacts of data centers; state lobbyists summarized legislation creating a framework for data centers to restrict utility cost shifting and encourage water reuse while preserving local zoning and permitting authority.
During the public‑comment period, a Quail Hollow resident urged Pasco County commissioners to weigh the environmental, visual and resource impacts of large data centers proposed near rural neighborhoods.
"I can't see the Milky Way the way I did when I was a kid…" said Robert Jacob, describing increased light pollution and expressing concerns about water and electricity usage, noise and the large impervious footprint of such facilities. Jacob urged commissioners to consider alternatives and the broader effects of paving farmland and changing rural character.
Later in a state-legislative recap, Pasco’s lobbyists summarized bills that address data centers statewide. A legislative presenter said the bill’s approach was measured: it limits utility companies from shifting costs to residents and sets water-usage and permitting standards while preserving county control over zoning, planning and permitting.
"They have also restricted water usage and encouraged the use of reuse water where available," a lobbyist said, and noted provisions intended to prevent utilities from passing data-center costs to nearby customers. Commissioners discussed the trade-offs between economic development and local impacts and noted the county would continue examining specifics in upcoming agenda items.
The exchange combined local concerns voiced by residents with an overview of state-level policy intended to regulate data centers’ economic and resource effects; commissioners did not take an immediate regulatory action at the meeting.
