‘Kentuckians are watching:’ Lawmakers hear pleas to act on data centers
Kentucky residents from across the state urged lawmakers at a Frankfort listening session to impose safeguards on rapidly expanding data center development. Speakers cited concerns about pollution, water and electricity use, higher utility bills, tax incentives and inadequate local oversight, while lawmakers discussed proposed protections that have not yet passed.
Dozens of Kentuckians testified at a legislative listening session in Frankfort about proposed hyperscale data centers in communities including Mercer, Jefferson, Carroll, Barren, Breckinridge and Fayette counties. Residents described concerns about pollution, water consumption, noise, utility costs, property values and state tax incentives, and argued that local governments lack the expertise and leverage to negotiate with large developers. One speaker, retired engineer Martin Rivers of Fayette County, supported rapid data center construction and opposed additional state legislation.
Rep. Adam Moore, a Lexington Democrat who organized the session, called for legislation modeled on an executive order issued by Gov. Andy Beshear and said he would oppose new hyperscale projects until protections are enacted. Beshear's order calls for data centers to cooperate with communities and avoid increasing power bills, but advocates question whether it can be enforced without legislation. The Republican-controlled General Assembly has not passed comprehensive safeguards, although a House bill advanced without gaining traction in the Senate.