Eastern Kentucky senator: Lawmakers want more information on data center plans

Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb, who represents Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties, expressed surprise and a lack of information regarding TeraWulf's proposed 1-gigawatt data center in her district. Senator Webb stated that the legislative delegation has filed requests for more information about this and other potential data center sites. She previously supported a House bill during the legislative session aimed at protecting residents from bearing data center costs, but the bill did not advance in the Senate.

Concerns revolve around the massive electricity and water consumption of hyperscale data centers, as well as potential noise and air pollution from diesel backup generators. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized that data centers must cover their own electricity costs to avoid burdening local residents. A public meeting regarding the TeraWulf project is scheduled at Boyd County High School in Ashland.

This proposed development is not an isolated incident, as data center proposals have raised concerns among officials across other Kentucky counties, including Barren, Daviess, Mason, Mercer, Oldham, Simpson, and Warren. In response to these growing debates, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council recently enacted a temporary moratorium on data center development, highlighting broader regulatory scrutiny within the state. Local officials, however, acknowledge the potential for construction jobs and tax revenues that these projects can bring.