Calloway County committee discusses stance on data centers
The Calloway County Administration Ordinance Committee discussed the county's stance on data centers, following a one-week moratorium enacted by the Murray City Council. No decisions were made during the meeting as officials require more time to research the environmental and economic impacts. A draft ordinance regulating data centers is slated for review by the Murray Planning Commission.
The Calloway County Administration Ordinance Committee convened to deliberate on the county's position regarding data centers. This meeting occurred shortly after the Murray City Council implemented a one-week moratorium on any new data center applications. Currently, there are no specific data center projects proposed for either the city or the county.
Calloway County Judge Executive Kenny Imes emphasized the need for further research, especially from experts in electricity and water, to understand potential environmental and economic impacts before a decision can be reached. He highlighted the importance of gaining a comprehensive understanding from legal and scientific perspectives to foster consensus.
Imes also noted the vocal community input and stressed its critical role in the decision-making process. He suggested that a public meeting or town hall event would be beneficial for further discussion before an ordinance is finalized. The research into data center impacts has become a "hot topic" and is intensifying.
A community member active in county and city meetings presented his own research focusing on the health effects, environmental impacts, and general community effects of data centers. He expressed hope for a minimum moratorium to allow time for an ordinance to be developed, or ultimately, an ordinance that addresses the potential issues. The Murray Planning Commission is scheduled to review a draft ordinance regulating data centers at an upcoming meeting.