Camden becomes first county on the coast to adopt data center moratorium

The Camden County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to adopt a 6-month moratorium on data centers. The decision follows speculation that a Florida-based businessman requested rezoning of land in Kingsland and the county for an industrial park to allow data centers. The measure applies only to the unincorporated county. Ben Casey, District 5 commissioner, said at the meeting that the ordinance would have no effect on what the cities do. The ordinance was adopted with the exclusion of sections 4, 5, 6 and 7. A rezoning request on behalf of companies linked to businessman Kirk Tovey was rescinded on Monday amid concerns about the proposed facility's environmental impact and a plea from the commander of the Naval Submarine Base at near Kingsland City Manager Lee Spell is recommending that the city council approve a data center moratorium at its May 11 meeting. The recommendation follows the city's adoption of a data center ordinance in March that drew criticism for potentially violating state public meeting laws. District 3 Commissioner Cody Smith said his resolution was intended for last month's agenda but commissioners faced a rushed-through version of a data center ordinance. He wrote a three-page resolution to remind voters of the steep costs and potential threats of data centers. The resolution states that commissioners are entrusted with protecting the public health, safety and welfare of citizens and ensuring responsible stewardship of the county's natural resources, infrastructure and long-term economic sustainability. Smith said the county is not prepared for the introduction of data centers into the community. He noted a huge push to put in data centers everywhere and that the county lacks zoning or planning for operations requiring that many resources. Smith added that rushing through something is not the answer. The land in question includes nearly 700 acres along Interstate 95, with just over 500 acres within Kingsland city limits and 146 acres sought for annexation. Smith said he has heard from constituents who are not in favor of a large data center. He said he ultimately cannot say no to data centers but hopes the county can provide proper infrastructure. Smith described the moratorium as hitting the emergency button. He wants input from people who know more about data centers, not consultants whose business is getting them in places. Smith noted that Camden County seems to do that a lot.