Jefferson County works to finalize data center rules, moves towards public hearings
Jefferson County supervisors are finalizing a proposed data center ordinance to proactively establish regulations before any large-scale projects are proposed. The draft addresses concerns about electricity and water demands, aiming to implement a moratorium. Public hearings are planned to gather community input on the proposed rules.
Jefferson County supervisors are diligently working to finalize a proposed data center ordinance, aiming to establish regulations proactively before any large-scale data center projects are officially proposed. The second work session focused on the latest draft, which seeks to regulate facilities that would consume over 20 megawatts of electricity or more than 50 gallons of water per minute, citing concerns about demands on local infrastructure, including electricity, water, roads, and emergency services.
A key point of discussion during the session, attended by approximately 15 residents, centered on ensuring the county's standards would be robust enough to justify denying a permit application. Supervisor Lee Dimick expressed concerns about the language regarding crop suitability ratings, seeking to grant the county sufficient authority without enacting a "de facto ban" on data centers that could be challenged in court.
Supervisors emphasized their commitment to moving swiftly while still addressing public concerns. They noted the importance of expediting public hearings to implement a moratorium as quickly as possible. The draft ordinance is nearing completion, and supervisors anticipate continuing discussions and collecting public comments at the upcoming board meeting, as reported by Maddie Lee from Fairfield.