Tennessee county sets rules for data centers, rejecting calls for outright ban

The Bradley County Commission in Tennessee has unanimously approved new restrictions and guidelines for data center development, following days of public speculation and community concern. Residents packed the commission meeting, many voicing opposition and advocating for an outright ban on AI data centers in the county, particularly after a social media post suggested a project was planned for the Charleston area. While county leaders denied current plans for a data center, they expressed a desire to be prepared for future proposals. NewsChannel Nine's Ray Collado reported from the meeting where dozens of constituents stepped up to the microphone. Despite calls for a ban, county officials explained that an outright prohibition on businesses through zoning would be constitutionally suspect and likely lead to lawsuits. Instead, the approved guidelines mandate that any future AI data centers must be constructed in an industrial two (I2) zone. Currently, the Bradley County landfill is identified as the only property zoned I2, meaning any other potential site would require a rezoning process. Nikki Johnson, a resident, acknowledged the new regulations as a positive initial step but urged continued community vigilance, emphasizing that residents must remain actively engaged as "multibillion dollar corporations" could potentially overcome minor regulatory hurdles. The commission's decision marks an attempt to control future data center development within the county while avoiding a complete prohibition.