Data centers on one-year delay, Knox County votes to adopt one-year moratorium
The Knox County Commission has voted 10-0 to enact a one-year moratorium on data center construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. This delay will allow the county to study the impacts of data centers on energy and water resources and update zoning regulations. Residents voiced concerns about infrastructure strain and resource intensity in residential areas.
The Knox County Commission has unanimously voted to adopt a one-year moratorium on data center construction in Knoxville, Tennessee. The decision, passed with a 10-0 vote (Commissioner Courtney Durrett recused due to her employment at Xfinity), aims to provide county leadership with time to assess the environmental and community impacts of large-scale data centers.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon had previously called for a similar pause to allow the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission to update zoning for data centers, a move also supported by the County Commission. Commissioner Andy Fox highlighted concerns about the significant demands on energy and water resources, and the impact on local neighbors.
Residents, including Chris Treadwell and Justin Cofer, spoke in favor of the moratorium, arguing against placing resource-intensive operations in residential areas and warning of strain on infrastructure and utilities. The resolution permits the county to extend or shorten the moratorium if specific rules for data centers are developed. The moratorium is effective immediately and will last until June 30, 2027. Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) reported three existing data centers in the area, noting they use less power than larger facilities, and mentioned early 2026 discussions with TVA regarding fair power payments for data centers.