WKYT Investigates: Bell County family fights proposed data center
A Bell County, Kentucky family discovered land clearing for a proposed data center behind their home without notice, leading to community opposition. Their efforts resulted in the Bell County Fiscal Court enacting a two-year moratorium on data center construction in the county. The developer, Murray Industries, had planned the facility due to surplus electricity capacity in the area.
A family in Bell County, Kentucky, led by Randy Gibson and his daughter Emily Diaz, initiated a community response after discovering crews clearing land behind their home for a proposed data center without prior notification. The family, whose property holds significant personal value, reported smoke and ash entering their home due to the land-clearing activities.
Developer Dale Murray, owner of Murray Industries, stated he purchased the property three years prior for coal mining and pivoted to a data center project after coal markets declined. He cited a 360-megawatt surplus capacity from LG&E and KU, originally built to power coal mines, as making the site suitable. Murray projected over 100 jobs, many paying $100,000 annually. However, at a Bell County Fiscal Court meeting, community members, including the Gibsons, expressed strong opposition, leading the court to hold an emergency meeting.
Following community pushback, the Bell County Fiscal Court moved forward with and passed a two-year moratorium on data center construction, development, and operation of any size in Bell County. Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock oversaw the vote. Murray Industries was not present at the second Fiscal Court meeting where the vote occurred. The Gibson family expressed gratitude for the moratorium but acknowledged its temporary nature, with Diaz hoping Bell County serves as a model for other communities facing similar proposals, particularly in areas lacking specific zoning and regulations.