Commission asks staff to research data‑center rules as public and environmental concerns rise

Commissioners discussed how to respond to public concern about proposals for large data centers in and near Collier County and directed staff to research definitional thresholds, conditional‑use pathways and whether to recommend a temporary moratorium or zoning‑in‑progress.

Chair (S9) framed the issue as balancing competitiveness and local impacts: "The biggest one is energy use. You're probably going to see package plants, small nuclear power plants and other things be developed to power some of these systems," the chair said. Staff explained that current zoning allows data centers in certain industrial districts by right and that the county lacks specific megawatt or acreage thresholds. Commissioners and members of the public, including Bridget Washburn (S20) from Audubon Western Everglades, flagged water‑use and ecological risks; Washburn urged a proactive regulatory framework and participation by water‑management districts.

Staff will assemble a recommended process (definitions, thresholds, utility and water‑use evaluation criteria) and discuss whether a short, time‑limited moratorium or an 'active zoning in progress' designation is appropriate to allow the county to craft regulatory criteria. The commission did not adopt an immediate moratorium but asked staff to return with options.