What each of Lexington’s at-large council candidates thinks about data centers
Most at-large Urban County Council candidates in Lexington, Kentucky, oppose the construction of hyperscale data centers, citing concerns about electricity costs, environmental impact, and land use. The city has enacted a data center moratorium until October 31 and is considering new regulations to restrict large-scale facilities. These proposed regulations, which the council will discuss, would prohibit data centers larger than 40,000 square feet.
Most candidates running for Lexington's at-large Urban County Council seats have expressed strong opposition to hyperscale data centers, aligning with the city's current moratorium and proposed regulations. Five of the six candidates are against the construction of large-scale facilities in Fayette County, with Vice Mayor Dan Wu advocating for regulations that ban hyperscale centers while protecting smaller, existing data centers used by local businesses.
Council Member James Brown and candidates Stephanie Spires, Herbert Lynn, and Chris Shafer voiced concerns about the environmental and health impacts, strain on infrastructure, and potential for increased electricity costs for residents. Spires also suggested extending the current moratorium beyond October 31 and further identifying suitable locations for minor data centers. Lynn critically labeled such companies as