Palm Beach County rejects huge AI data center near Trump's Mar-a-Lago after resident backlash

In a significant decision, Palm Beach County commissioners voted 5-1 to reject a proposal for a large-scale AI data center located approximately 20 miles from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. This outcome followed an extensive public hearing that lasted over 12 hours, where local residents expressed their concerns regarding the potential impact on community infrastructure and health. The developer, PBA Holdings Inc., had aimed to expand an already approved project in Loxahatchee to nearly 3.6 million square feet, which would include over 1 million square feet dedicated to data center operations. Prior to the hearing, the company attempted to address the community's worries by revising the project. However, the opposition remained robust, with many residents donning green shirts emblazoned with "NO to Project Tango" during the public session. Concerns voiced by the community included increased water usage, heightened electricity demand, and the expected noise from the facility. Moreover, residents were particularly alarmed by the site’s proximity to homes and Saddle View Elementary School, raising alarms about the potential health and safety risks to families and children in the area. Opposition organizers highlighted these issues on the website NoToProjectTango.com. Following the vote, Ernie Cox, project manager for PBA Holdings, noted that the commission's decision would not affect existing approvals for two smaller data center buildings already permitted. He stated, "Well, that project goes forward. This vote doesn't have any effect on that," suggesting the possibility of future adjustments to the proposal. This decision is part of a broader trend as communities across the United States grapple with the rapid expansion of data centers fueled by the AI boom. As tech firms invest heavily in such facilities, local pushback over environmental and economic concerns is increasing. According to Data Center Watch, a record 75 proposals worth an estimated $130 billion faced delays or blocks due to local opposition in early 2026. Recently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul even implemented the first statewide moratorium on large data centers, prompting criticism from former President Trump, who labeled such facilities as valuable economic assets for communities.