Florida gubernatorial candidate Jolly is advocating for a moratorium on data center construction, emphasizing the need for ratepayer and environmental protections. This stance aligns with a growing trend of candidates nationwide addressing the issue, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul who previously signed a similar moratorium.
The debate over data center regulation highlights a growing tension between economic development and environmental and consumer protection concerns, influencing political campaigns and potentially shaping future energy and infrastructure policy in key states like Florida and New York.
Florida gubernatorial candidate Jolly has called for a moratorium on data center construction, emphasizing that such measures are necessary for protecting ratepayers and the environment. This stance places the issue at the forefront of the state's gubernatorial race, mirroring a broader trend across the country where data centers are becoming a key campaign topic.
Jolly's campaign has intensified its criticism of his opponent, Donalds, on this issue. Donalds' campaign spokesperson, Gates McGavick, stated that Donalds supports protecting Florida's ratepayers and communities, asserting that "No ratepayer and environmental protections, no data centers. Period."
Governor Ron DeSantis has previously taken a critical stance on data centers, backing a law this year designed to prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of the facilities' electricity consumption. In New York, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul signed a data center moratorium. However, Donalds criticized Hochul's policy, arguing in a television appearance that such moratoriums, combined with policies from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, could drive businesses and capital away, thereby shrinking the tax base.
Both Jolly and Donalds appear to be positioning themselves for the general election, with Jolly increasingly aligning with the anti-data center movement.
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