CLB approves $50 tax match, puts moratorium on data centers

News ClipThe Newport Plain Talk·Newport, Cocke County, TN·6/20/2026

The Cocke County Legislative Body enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers and lithium battery storage facilities. This decision, prompted by concerns about noise, limited job creation, and high consumption of power and water, will allow the county time to revise its current ordinances regarding such developments.

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Gov: Cocke County Legislative Body, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis, County Attorney John Owings, County Planning Commission, County Public Safety Committee, FEMA, United States Forest Service, County Highway Department, Finance Director Heather McGaha, Trustee Mitch Fine, Property Assessor Macie Reed

The Cocke County Legislative Body (CLB) recently voted to enact a comprehensive one-year moratorium on the development of data centers and lithium battery storage facilities within the county. The decision, which restricts these types of operations, followed a recommendation from the county planning commission.

County Attorney John Owings emphasized the need for the moratorium, citing concerns that such facilities are noisy, create few employment opportunities, and demand extensive amounts of power and water. The temporary halt on new development is intended to provide the county with sufficient time to review and amend its existing ordinances to better address these specific types of facilities.