Lordstown council members vote on moratoriums concerning data centers
The Village of Lordstown council members are considering two moratoriums, effective for 180 days, on permits for businesses utilizing small mobile reactors (SMRs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for data centers. These moratoriums aim to give council time to research the technologies and their potential impacts on the community. The council also discussed amending zoning codes, as current regulations are deemed insufficient for data center development.
The Village of Lordstown council members initiated a vote on two proposed moratoriums concerning the technology utilized to power data centers. The moratoriums, if passed, would implement a 180-day delay on permit authorization for businesses intending to use small mobile reactors (SMRs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Lordstown Councilman Ronald Radtka explained that these temporary pauses are intended to provide the council with sufficient time to thoroughly research the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies, as well as their potential impacts on the Village. A dedicated Moratorium Committee, chaired by Councilman Mark McGrail, has been tasked with investigating data centers' effects on community health, safety, welfare, economic implications, and necessary zoning regulations.
During the same meeting, several ordinances related to amendments of the Village's zoning codes were discussed. Councilman McGrail highlighted that the existing zoning regulations are currently inadequate for the comprehensive development of data centers. The moratoriums underwent their initial round of readings, with a second reading scheduled for June 15, which will be open to the public.