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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)July 30, 2026Hillsborough

Palm Beach County Rejects Massive AI Data Center Over Water Concerns

Palm Beach County commissioners recently voted 5-1 to block a $2 billion AI data center project, citing concerns over inconsistent water usage estimates and potential environmental impacts. The county has also initiated a temporary pause on new large-scale data center applications while officials evaluate stricter regulatory requirements.

data centerswater resourceszoningAI infrastructureenvironmental regulationPalm Beach County
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)

Why It Matters

The decision sets a precedent for how Palm Beach County will balance the growth of energy-intensive AI infrastructure with the protection of local drinking water supplies and the Everglades ecosystem.

Key Facts

  • Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-1 to reject the Project Tango data center proposal.
  • The proposed facility would have spanned 200 acres and 4 million square feet with a 600-megawatt capacity.
  • The county has implemented a temporary pause on all new large-scale data center applications.
  • A public hearing and initial vote on a formal temporary ban are scheduled for August 27.
  • Project water usage estimates provided by the applicant were 5,000 gallons per day, while county staff projected 100,000 gallons per day.
  • The project required an initial 600,000 gallons of water to fill its closed-loop cooling system.
  • Experts suggest hyperscale AI data centers can consume between 1 million and 5 million gallons of water daily.
  • The Zoning Commission previously voted 7-0 against the project before the County Commission's final vote.
  • Senate Bill 484 mandates public hearings before the issuance of water use permits for large-scale data centers.
  • The project denial was issued 'without prejudice,' allowing the developer to submit a revised application in the future.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSouth Florida Water Management District“The regional water regulator responsible for issuing water use permits.”organizationPalm Beach County Commission“The local governing body that voted to block the project and pause new applicati”personMaria Marino“Palm Beach County Commissioner who dissented and supported the project.”personErnie Cox“Project manager for the applicant, PBA Holdings.”personFrederick Bloetscher“Civil and environmental engineering professor at Florida Atlantic University.”personMaria Sachs“Palm Beach County Commissioner who voted against the project.”otherProject Tango“The proposed $2 billion AI data center project in Loxahatchee.”