By Kate Kimmel
Nassau County commissioners voted May 20 to establish the Fact-Finding Committee on Data Center Development, a five-member panel tasked with gathering research and public testimony on the potential impacts of data centers on county resources.
The committee will hold a series of public meetings over the summer, giving residents an opportunity to comment on data center development. The meetings will also feature a speaker series featuring subject matter experts who will provide information and perspectives on the industry.
“As we all know, both in the media and discussions here, data center development is a topic on everyone’s mind,” County Manager and committee member Taco Pope said. “The fact-finding committee would be similar to what we did with beach regulations five or six years ago.”
The committee’s creation comes amid controversy surrounding rumors that a data center could be built in the county. In response, commissioners drafted a moratorium ordinance that would pause all data center-related development activity for 12 months while officials gather information.
Commissioners held the ordinance’s first reading May 11 and are expected to approve it June 8.
The committee’s work will culminate in a report compiling public feedback and expert analysis for commissioners to use in future policy discussions regarding data center development. The panel will not have decision-making authority.
“This allows staff to really dedicate the time out in the public and with experts in the field to pull together the information that’s necessary for the board to make an educated decision,” Pope said.
Staff members were selected based on expertise in planning, engineering, environmental science, land development, finance and economic development. Members are:
• County Manager Taco Pope
• Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman
• Deputy County Manager Robert Companion
• Conservation Manager Taylor Clem
•Economic Resources Manager Kathy Freyman
The committee will review research and testimony on issues including environmental impacts, water consumption, electrical demand and generation, land-use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, economic and fiscal impacts, and legal considerations under Florida law.
Each meeting this summer will include a public comment period for residents to provide input. The current meeting schedule is:
Monday, June 1 at 5p.m.
BOCC Commission Chambers, Yulee
Tuesday, June 2 at 5p.m.
West Nassau High School Cafeteria, Callahan
Monday, June 8 at 9a.m.
BOCC Commission Chambers, Yulee
Tuesday, June 9 at 5p.m.
West Nassau High School Cafeteria, Callahan
Thursday, June 18 at 9a.m.
BOCC Commission Chambers, Yulee
Monday, June 29 at 5p.m.
BOCC Commission Chambers, Yulee
Tuesday, June 30 at 5p.m.
BOCC Commission Chambers, Yulee
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
