Kathryn Hargraves: Kentucky leaders should look to history to solve data center controversies
This article draws a parallel between current controversies over hyperscale data centers in Kentucky and past disputes over mega-landfills. It suggests that Kentucky leaders should look to the historical precedent of a special legislative session called to address public outcry over landfills to guide their approach to data center development, especially concerning zoning and local control.
Kathryn Hargraves, a retired environmental attorney, argues that Kentucky leaders should learn from the state's past handling of mega-landfill controversies to address current issues surrounding hyperscale data centers.
She notes that both situations involve abundant, cheap land and minimal zoning, leading to large-scale developments and public outcry from Kentuckians who feel excluded from decision-making. Hargraves points to a 1990 special session called by then-Gov. Wallace Wilkinson to address public concerns over out-of-state garbage overwhelming local farms and fields as a template for action. She implies that a similar legislative initiative is needed to give Kentuckians more say in data center developments and improve zoning regulations.