The Citrus County School Board has voted to pause new data center developments in the area. The temporary moratorium, which was approved on a 4-1 vote, gives the county time to gather more information about the impact of data centers on the community.
The decision comes as concerns have been raised about the potential effects of data centers on the environment, traffic, and local infrastructure. The moratorium will allow the county to study these issues and develop new regulations for data center developments.
The vote was taken at the Citrus County School Board meeting on Monday night, March 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM, at the Citrus County School Board Office, 1301 W. US 19, Crystal River, FL 34473. Commissioner, John Smith, was the lone dissenter.
The moratorium will last for six months, during which time the county will conduct a study on the impact of data centers. The study will examine issues such as energy usage, water consumption, and traffic congestion.
Some of the key concerns about data centers include their high energy usage, which can strain the local power grid, and their potential impact on local water supplies. Data centers also generate a significant amount of heat, which can affect local air quality.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
