Candidate urges 180-day moratorium on new data-center applications

Cambry Wood, a candidate for chair of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, asked the board to place a resolution on an upcoming agenda establishing a temporary 180-day moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new data-center applications. "I'm presenting for your consideration a proposed resolution establishing a temporary 180 day moratorium on the acceptance and processing of new applications related to data center developments in Columbia County," Wood said, urging the county to study cumulative effects and ensure ordinances are "comprehensive, enforceable, transparent, and protect Columbia County citizens."

Wood said the pause would allow staff and stakeholders to identify ordinance gaps and to hold three public town halls—one before drafting, one to review draft language, and a third to present responses to public comments. She listed topics she wants addressed in a revised ordinance, including setbacks, buffers, noise and generator operations, electrical demand and rate-payer protections, water consumption, stormwater, emergency response, environmental protections, financial assurances, enforcement, and decommissioning. Wood asked that the county attorney and staff review the proposed resolution and bring it to the board for formal consideration.