Temporary pauses in data center construction can help communities prepare for data center development, said Daren Shumate, founder of data center engineering firm Shumate Engineering and a former Fairfax County, Virginia, planning commissioner.
Moratoriums give local governments time to update zoning requirements to address concerns such as noise and water demand, he said. Some rural areas, Shumate added, have never faced this type of industrial demand in their history.
“The organic demand for AI and the data centers that support it is so strong that the buildout will continue without missing a beat,” said Shumate. “The key is for local governments to meet the moment and protect their communities without missing out on the economic benefits provided by such projects.
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