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Committee continues work on environmental and health study of data centers; members favor broader baseline study
Summary
Members debated whether a third-party study should focus narrowly on data centers or establish a countywide environmental and health baseline; administration said it would first explore university partners and then a market solicitation if needed and procurement would choose appropriate tool (RFQ/RFP).
Commissioner Terry presented a resolution directing an independent third-party health and environmental study of data centers and for Board review before future data-center approvals. Terry argued the moratorium and study exist to gather evidence (noise, heat-island, air quality) that informs policy and buffer distances.
Several commissioners suggested reframing the scope as a countywide environmental and health baseline to make the work more generally useful; Commissioner Roger asked that the study serve as a baseline that future applicants could be compared against. Administration said it would first evaluate university partners (procurement exemptions) and then pursue a broader solicitation if necessary. The committee agreed to hold the item so absent members can weigh in and so staff can provide procurement options and clarified scope language.
