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Residents urge strict limits on AI data centers as board hears crowded public hearing
Summary
Dozens of residents urged Escambia County commissioners to tighten or ban AI/data-center development over water, energy and environmental concerns. County attorney said current land-development rules do not allow private commercial data centers but warned of procedural limits on adding new restrictions; the board approved item 05:31 4-1 to move forward with the ordinance as drafted and directed staff on next steps.
Dozens of residents packed the public hearing on item 05:31 to press the Board of County Commissioners for stronger limits on AI and other large-scale data centers, saying the projects could strain water, electricity and local infrastructure.
"We are hoping to work with you in order to pass an ordinance that protects our community against AI data centers," said Christie Rosen, a resident who said she represents District 5 concerns. Multiple speakers urged a lower megawatt threshold than the draft’s 50-megawatt cutoff, independent impact studies, and prepayment of infrastructure upgrades so ratepayers would not carry the costs.
County staff and counsel explained how the land-development code currently treats data centers. "Our land development code is structured in such a way that we have to specifically allow something," County Attorney Will said, and under that structure private commercial data centers are not a permitted use unless the LDC is amended. He cautioned, however, about state statutes that could limit local actions: "I would discourage any action tonight that we get into a moratorium area because I think procedurally, that's gonna be a problem for you." (S21)
Commissioners expressed sympathy for public concerns but differed on next steps. Several members supported passing the ordinance addressing large-scale data centers and directing staff to pursue a moratorium process where legally available; others emphasized that the current LDC already does not permit commercial data centers and urged clarity for residents. After discussion, the board voted 4-1 to approve the item as presented and to pursue follow-up work and potential moratorium procedures that require additional public hearings.
What happens next: the ordinance as presented will be advanced with the board’s direction to county staff and the county attorney for any legally required procedural steps. The record shows strong public demand for either tighter language or a separate moratorium process and suggests the topic will return for additional hearings and technical work.
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