Kentucky’s yet to see a hyperscale data center come online, but Gallatin could offer a glimpse at what to expect
Residents in Gallatin, Tennessee, express ongoing concerns about Meta's hyperscale data center, citing impacts on utilities, the environment, and property values. Despite the mayor's defense of its economic benefits, a city councilman is pushing for a one-year moratorium on new data center development, following an already enacted 60-day pause. The Tennessee Valley Authority has also approved a new rate class for data centers to address their significant energy consumption.
The Meta hyperscale data center in Gallatin, Tennessee, is facing criticism from residents two years into its operation, despite Mayor Paige Brown's assertion that it is the city's largest taxpayer and a significant charitable donor. Residents like Noah Arai fear unwanted growth and a loss of community identity, while Elizabeth Holmes, who lives near the campus, reports experiencing house-shaking blasts during construction and a persistent low hum from the facility.
Concerns extend to utility usage and environmental impact. Meta states its Gallatin campus uses 80% less water than typical data centers, but utility records show it consumed over 53 million gallons in 2025, accounting for 2% of the city's total water usage and ranking among the top five consumers. The data center is expected to require about 300 megawatts of electricity at full build-out. To address the significant energy demand from data centers, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Board of Directors voted on August 19 to create a new, higher rate class specifically for data centers, effective October 1.
A lack of transparency surrounding the data center's development, initially pitched as "Project Woolhawk," and the allocation of its PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) revenue have fueled local discontent. City Councilman Pascal Jouvence, not in office when the deal was approved, is now advocating for a one-year moratorium on data center development, arguing the city needs to study the impacts and establish safeguards. The city council has already approved a 60-day pause on new applications, and the Gallatin Planning Commission recently recommended a 12-month moratorium.