New Pulaski County data center ordinance
Pulaski County leaders are debating a new data center ordinance proposed by Julie Blackwood, which aims to regulate data centers and other high-demand projects, including where they can be built and their water and electricity use. This follows the withdrawal of a separate data center moratorium due to a lack of support. The ordinance has had its first reading and requires two more readings and a final vote.
Pulaski County leaders are currently considering a new ordinance to regulate data centers and other projects with high water and electricity demands, following weeks of debate and opposition. The proposed ordinance, introduced by Julie Blackwood, received its first reading from the Quorum Court. It aims to establish clear rules for where data centers can be built and their operational requirements.
This legislative effort comes after a separate moratorium on new data centers was withdrawn due to a lack of sufficient support from the Quorum Court. Blackwood expressed shared frustration with residents over the rapid and seemingly un-transparent development of data centers in the county. She believes the ordinance will provide necessary oversight and regulation.
The ordinance requires two additional readings and a final vote before it can be passed. Blackwood is hopeful for its eventual passage and has expressed a desire for the Quorum Court to convene a special meeting to expedite the voting process before its next regularly scheduled meeting on September 22nd.