Hearing scheduled | Franklin County revising proposed ordinance regulating data centers

Franklin County commissioners are actively revising a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data center developments within the county. The move comes after significant public outcry and strong opposition to an earlier version of the proposal, with some residents urging a complete prohibition of data centers in the region. Despite the opposition, county commissioners emphasized the necessity of establishing a regulatory framework to manage potential data center projects rather than outright banning them. The updated ordinance includes several key changes from its predecessor. Notably, it removes a requirement for data centers to offset 25% of their energy consumption with solar power and no longer recommends nuclear energy as a power source. Furthermore, the revised proposal incorporates new provisions to address the environmental impact of data centers, specifically targeting water-use concerns. It also mandates the establishment of site decommissioning funds, ensuring resources are available for the eventual dismantling and restoration of data center sites. County leaders state their primary goal is to implement safeguards proactively, before any specific data center project is formally proposed. A public hearing for this revised ordinance is scheduled for April 28.