Logan Fiscal Court passes one-year moratorium on data centers

The Logan County Fiscal Court in Kentucky unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on July 28, pausing approvals for new high-water-consumption businesses, specifically targeting data centers. County Attorney Joe Ross presented updated language for the resolution, ensuring it remains legally enforceable within local authority, highlighting that data centers were a major discussion topic at recent National and Kentucky Association of Counties conferences due to a general "lack of planning and zoning."

The temporary measure requires any proposed project to submit independent studies demonstrating it will not negatively impact the local water supply. Judge-Executive Phil Baker and several magistrates, including Anne Crawford and Jason Harper, emphasized the moratorium provides crucial time for the court to develop a long-term plan and comprehensive planning and zoning regulations, acknowledging the county's current lack of preparedness regarding data center development.

Magistrate Chris Wilcutt expressed support for the intent but raised concerns about the moratorium's broadness and whether all data centers are being unfairly grouped. Magistrate Thomas Bouldin cautioned against an anti-development stance, arguing data centers are integral to modern infrastructure and that proper planning is key to ensuring taxpayers aren't burdened with utility costs. Magistrates ultimately supported the measure as a necessary safeguard, especially given the county currently has no other protective measures in place.